Interface meeting organized between ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region -Mizoram Centre and State level stakeholders on 24th September 2018, at Aijal Club (Aizawl, Mizoram)
An interface meeting between ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Mizoram Centre and the state level stakeholders involved in farming system development at Mizoram was organized on 24th September, 2018, at Aijal Club (Aizawl, Mizoram) under the theme ‘Adaptation potential of agricultural technologies for doubling farmers’ income in Mizoram’. Pu Lalsawta (Cabinet Minister, Finance and Planning, Govt of Mizoram) graced the programme as Chief Guest and Pu P.C Lalthanliana (Cabinet Minister, Horticulture, Govt. of Mizoram) was the Guest of Honour.
Dr N Prakash, Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH region, Umiam in his inaugural address welcomed the dignitaries and delegates. He elaborated the details of potential tested agricultural technologies developed by ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region for doubling farmers’ income in Mizoram and emphasized on their consecutive adaptation potential across the state. He presented the brief details of the potential Integrated Farming System (IFS) models developed by the institutes and ongoing flagship programme for livelihood improvement and welfare of the farmers’ community in Mizoram. Dr. B. C. Deka, Director ATARI- Umiam emphasized upon the need for developing partnership among all stakeholder institutes and organizations for utilizing true potential of agriculture technologies for doubling farmers’ income.
Pu Lalhmingthanga (Commissioner and Secretary, Agri & RD Department) mentioned the ongoing efforts of Indian scientific community and policy planners towards sustainable agricultural growth and development at village level that particularly aimed for doubling the farmer income. He appreciated the initiative taken by the institute in bringing various state level stakeholders together for effective discussion for the potential solutions of existing farming sector problems in Mizoram.
In his Guest of Honour address, Pu P.C Lalthanliana (Cabinet Minister, Horticulture), stated about the contribution of agriculture sector in Indian economy and pointed out the problems faced by the farming community practicing rainfed shifting agriculture in the steep slopes of Lusai hills. He urged the ICAR scientists to strengthen the Mizo farming community through subsequent dissemination and large scale adaptation of the potential agricultural technologies, aimed to increase in net productivity of the hill agro-ecosystems in Mizoram.
In his speech as Chief Guest of the session, Pu Lalsawta emphasized the need of replacement of traditional farming technologies with the recently developed ICAR technologies and extensive adaptation of farm mechanization. He also mentioned the requirement of investors and entrepreneurship development in the agriculture sector of, for achieving the self sufficiency in state-level food grain production.
Dr. S. Desai (Principal scientist, ICAR- CRIDA emphasized the need for preparation of district level contingency plans for increasing farming resiliency in Mizoram. Pu Rodney L. Ralte, (IAS, Secretary Horticulture), Pu H. Lalengmawia, (IAS Secretary, Minor Irrigation), Pu Lalthangpuia Sailo, (IAS Secretary A.H and Vety. Science), Pu Thlamuana, (MCS Secretary Fishery), Pu Vanlalduhsaka, (MES Secretary Sericulture), Pu Zothan Khuma, ( ITS Secretary, Commerce and Industries), Pu Sangdingliana, (IAS Secretary Soil water conservation), Dr S. P. Das (Principal Scientist ICAR Tripura), Dr. K K Baruah (Principal Scientist, ICAR Umiam), Dr. A. Sen (Principal Scientist, ICAR Umiam), Dr. S Hazarika (Principal Scientist, ICAR Umiam), Dr. G.T. Behere (Principal Scientist, ICAR Umiam), Dr. A.K. Jha (Principal Scientist, ICAR Umiam), Dr. Samir Das (Scientist, ICAR Umiam), • Dr Samuel Pachuau (Insecticide Analyst , Department of Agriculture, R & E) and several experts from ICAR institutes and development agencies participated in the interface meeting.
Finally, Dr I.Shakuntala, Joint Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Mizoram Centre proposed formal vote of thanks. Total 95 participants from different line department attended the programme.
