North Eastern Zone Regional Agri Fair begins from today
A four days Agri-Fair with the theme “Drive to doubling income of Tribal Farmers in the North East India” was inaugurated today (6.1.18 ) by Shri Radha Mohan Singh Hon’ble Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Govt. of India, by the traditional lighting of the lamp. Addressing the august gathering Shri Radha Mohan Singh said that the government has initiated various flagship programmes for the welfare of the people living in the rural areas, especially the farming communities focusing mainly to double the farmers’ income from agriculture and allied sectors. He appreciated ICAR Research complex for NEH Region, Umiam for leading basic, strategic and applied research specific to the farming problems of the NEH Region. He lauded the efforts of ICAR, NEH Region in launching the programme to double the income of the farmers on a pilot basis in the villages adopted by them in the next five years. He further added that 90 percent assistance is given to the Northeastern States and Meghalaya should accelerate the implementation of these schemes.
Earlier in his welcome address Dr Narendra Prakash, Director ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region highlighted the achievements of the institute in the last decade. ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya is the primary centre of agricultural research in NE region under the aegis of Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi. The institute has extended more than three decades of dedicated service to the region in the form of sound research and extension support in all the disciplines of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Science, Agro –forestry and Fisheries through institute level programmes and various externally aided projects to cater the need of the hill farming community for improvement of their livelihood security.
Other Dignitaries who spoke on the occasion were Dr Y. R Meena Additional Commissioner (Extension), DAC&FW, MOA &FW Govt of India. He said the farmers centric activities are organized actively and successfully under the aegis of the present government for the betterment of the farmers. The scope to directly communicate with the farmers was the highlight of the event she added.
The Regional Agri fair witnessed the signing of three MOU’s which are being facilitated by The Zonal Technology Management Unit (ZTMU) of ICAR RC for NEH Region, Umiam. Institutional Co-operation between School of Livelihood & Rural Development (SLRD) and the Division of Crop-Production, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam and Launching of the product “Biograin”. The second Memorandum of Understanding was signed for organic seed production of Rice Variety Sahsarang –I the Village of Mynsain, Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya, represented by its “Rangbah Shnong” (Headman) an adopted village of ICAR-NEH, since the year 2013, under Network Project on Organic Farming (NOPF). The third MoU was signed between Animal Health Care Services. The Nongkseh Milk Producers Co-Operative Society Limited is a registered society since the year 1994, making it one of the oldest milk producing societies in our state. The Agri Fair souvenir and the CD on successful technological intervention for doubling farmer’s income in NE India were launched on the auspicious occasion by Shri Radha Mohan Singh.
The Regional Agriculture Fair (RAF) during the four days will give special focus on finding ways and solutions to sustain income security from prevalent traditional form of agriculture and also initiate the revolution of doubling the farmers' income in the NE region. This event will help to create an opportunity for the various stakeholders at regional level to exchange ideas, knowledge and experiences for effective transfer of technology. The four days also will witness the brain storming sessions on doubling farmers’ income.
Lighting of the inaugural lamp by the Honorable Minister Releasing of sovenour by the dignitaties
Minister interacting with the stall owners Minister interacting with the farmers
