Training cum awareness programme on “Integrated organic farming system for livelihood security and doubling of farmers’ income” organized at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam
To commemorate the visionary programme of Hon’ble Prime Minister of India for doubling income of farmers, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam organized a Training cum awareness programme for farmers on ‘Integrated organic farming system (IOFS) for livelihood security and doubling of farmers income”” on 14th November, 2018 at Division of Crop Production, ICAR Complex, Umiam, Meghalaya. A total of 110 farmers from different villages of Meghalaya participated in the programme. The programme was started with the introductory address by Dr. Jayanta Layek, Scientist (Agronomy) and Project Investigator of Network Project of Organic Farming (NPOF). Addressing the gathering, he highlighted the need of Integrated Organic Farming System (IOFS) for enhancing the system productivity and cropping intensity of the region. The net income from an IOFS model with an area of 0.43 ha has been recorded at Rs. 62,531/- per year which is much higher than the income of farmers’ common practices of rice monocropping in the region. Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Head Incharge, Division of Crop Production highlighted the scope of organic farming in the North Eastern region for livelihood security of the farmers. The Director of the Institute, Dr. N. Prakash spoke on the occasion that Govt. of India is promoting the region for becoming organic hub of the country. He further added that there is need of organic certification and proper marketing of the organic products for enhancing farmers’ income. For demonstration on organic farming system and no-till organic cultivation of pea, mustard and lentil in rice fallow, field visit as well as practical demonstrations were done. Dr. Utpal Dey & Miss Daphibanri gave practical demonstrations on scientific manure production techniques including vermicomposting. Dr. Sandip Patra and Dr. Amit Kumar co-ordinated scientists and farmers’ interaction programme regarding various aspects of organic farming. The farmers interacted with the experts and enquired about improved seed, production technology and organic insect pest and disease management options. The programme was concluded with vote of thanks by Dr. Subhash Babu with every possible helps from ICAR for promotion of scientific organic production techniques in NEH region.
