Five days farmers training on ‘Integrated watershed management’ organized by ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam
Considering the importance of water conservation and its efficient uses for improving livelihoods in hills, a five days farmers training on ‘Integrated watershed management’’ was jointly organized by Division of Crop Production and Agricultural Engineering, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya in collaboration with Soil & Water Conservation Division, West Khasi Hills District, Nongstoin, Meghalaya on 22-26 August, 2017 at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam. A total of 30 farmers across 15 villages and five watershed areas of West Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya were participated in the programme. The programme was inaugurated with the welcome of all the dignitaries and the farmers by Dr. Jayanta Layek, Scientist, Division of Crop Production. Dr. S V Ngachan, Chairman of the programme & Director, ICAR Research Complex, Umiam urged the farmers to conserve water and encourage the farmers to follow integrated farming system approach for betterment of their livelihood and increased income. Dr. Anup Das, Head, Division of Crop Production highlighted the need of natural resource conservation for improving crop productivity and sustaining soil health. Smt. M. Bani, Assistant Soil Water Conservation Officer (ASWCO), West Khasi Hills District, Nongstoin, Meghalaya highlighted the need of the training programme in the climate change scenario especially for hill community. The farmers were given lectures on several aspects like watershed management, conservation agriculture, crop diversification, nutrient recycling and composting, integrated pest and disease management, livestock management, value addition and subsidiary enterprises for income and employment generation etc. Farmers were given exposure to various filed visits on watershed units, integrated farming systems models, organic farming systems, pig and poultry rearing unit etc. under scientific guidance by Dr. Subhash Babu, Dr. Krishnappa R. and Dr. M. Thoithoi Devi. Pea and French bean production in rice and maize Fallow for North Eastern Hill Region’ in Khasi language were distributed among farmers. The valedictory programme was attended by the Smt. B. H. Syiem, Divisional Officer, Soil & Water Conservation Division, West Khasi Hills District, Nongstoin, Meghalaya. The programme was concluded with vote of thanks given by Dr. B. K. Sethy, Head, Agricultural Engineering Division with promise of every possible support from ICAR to promote soil & water conservation and improve livelihood for the farmers.
Farmers along with scientists & Director of ICAR RC NEH, Umiam and ASWCO, Nongstoin, Meghalaya Farmers visiting experimental groundnut field in ICAR Farm, Umiam
