Training cum inputs distribution programme on “Livelihood improvement of tribal farmers of Meghalaya through capacity building and input support system”
A three days training cum inputs distribution programme on “Livelihood improvement of tribal farmers of Meghalaya through capacity building and input support system”was organized by Division of Crop Production during 19th- 22nd September, 2018 at ICAR research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam under the Tribal Sub Plan to strengthen National Mission for Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem, TF-6 project components in adopted Mawthei village with the major objective of sensitizing and creating awareness among tribal farmers on different aspects of improved agriculture for better livelihood. Altogether 31 interested farmers from Mawthei village, of Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya attended the programme.
Dr. K.P. Mohapatra, Principal Scientist and Head (Division of Crop Production) inaugurated the training cum input distribution programme and highlighted the importance of agroforestry interventions for diversification, improved sustainability and gaining better income from slopy hill farms. Dr. Krishnappa R. (Scientist, Plant Physiology) elaborated on urgent need of cultivation of pulses/oilseed crops in rice/maize fallows by adopting no-till/minimum tillage technology for increasing cropping intensity and enhanced nutritional security in the region. He also emphasized about the benefits of practicing maize-French bean cropping system under zero tillage in terms of maintaining better soil health and reduced cost of cultivation. Dr. M. Thoithoi Devi (Scientist, Agronomy) stressed and created awareness about positive aspects of integrated organic farming system, kitchen gardening, raised and sunken bed technology, nutrient management practices, cropping systems, production of vermicompost, etc. Dr. Bagish Kumar (Scientist, Agricultural extension) enlighten the participated farmers to form crop wise farmers groups at village level to demand essential training from research institutes and to laverage market dynamics for better marketing of agricultural produce.
The training programme consisted of both on-farm and off-farm lectures on different aspects viz. conservation agriculture, vermicomposting, prospect of scientific fish farming in Meghalaya, nursery management of fruit crops, plant and soil health management, post-harvest management of vegetable crops, role of agroforestry for diversification of the farm, farmers producer company in India, application of GKMS and farm record maintenance for efficient farm management, etc. which was accompanied by field visits and practical demonstrations. The programme was coordinated by Dr. M. Thoithoi Devi (Scientist, Agronomy), Dr. Krishnappa R. (Scientist, Plant Physiology) and Dr. Bagish Kumar (Scientist, Agricultural extension). Important inputs like seeds of seasonal vegetables (French bean, carrot, coriander, etc.) and vermibeds were distributed to the farmers during the programme. Farmers were keenly participated and interacted with various aspects of training for improvement of existing agriculture at their farms
