Press Release
On National Seminar on Smart Farming for Enhancing Input Use Efficiency Income and Environmental Security
Agriculture in India is going through a transition phase from traditional to scientific intensive and mechanized agriculture, the present scenario needs an in-depth study with this backdrop this seminar was cultured. The seminar is being organized by the Indian Association of Hill Farming (IAHF) in collaboration with ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam. The Brainstorming and technical sessions is expected take research to a next level. The three days National seminar which commenced from today (19th Sept to 21st Sept) will highlight on the theme “Smart Farming for Enhancing Input Use Efficiency Income and Environmental Security” (SFEIES). The National Seminar will witness brain storming sessions from more than 300 participants from all over India. Agricultural diversification, processing and value addition along with entrepreneurship development and smart marketing linkages will play a key role for doubling farmers’ income and to achieve the Prime Ministers vision of food surplus India.
The inaugural session began with the lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries in the presence of the scientific community and the farmers of the region. Dr S V. Ngachan President, IAHF and Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region in his welcome speech said that the technology needs to be upgraded for the hilly region because the topography of the region requires special attention. He further added that soil is the soul and water is the life for livelihood on our planet earth so we should use both the resources judiciously. The technical and brain storming sessions will give a new direction towards the agricultural development and enhance farmers’ income.
The Guest of Honour for the occasion was Dr. M. Premjit Singh, Vice Chancellor, CAU, Imphal addressing the august gathering emphasized on the fact that the North Eastern Region is diverse and a bio-diversity hotspot. The main focus of the government is to develop the allied sectors of the region. There are many challenges in the region but we need to work in tandem with the traditional methods and stress more on organic farming.
Dr. K. R. Dhiman Ex- Vice Chancellor, YSPUH&F, Solan, stressed on the implementation of “rain-water harvesting, micro irrigation system, and drip irrigation methods to be adopted in the region. Location specific nutrients have to be developed and production using low productivity input should be implemented. He further added that the hilly regions are the custodian of “natural resources” and “organic production system”. He emphasized that smart farming is the process in which the resources are utilized without wastage.
The Chief Guest for the occasion, Shri Ram Muiva, Secretary, NEC speaking on the occasion said that the presence of ICAR can be felt in all the districts through the presence of KVKs in the region which is a great achievement of the institute. The farming models developed by the institute are well adapted by the farmers from all over the region. The North Eastern Region is rich in biomass and the institute should take initiative in the taking it further to another level were the farmers benefit the most from the research activities.
The programme also witnessed the felicitation of various achievements in the wide range of categories entitled as IAHF award ceremony.
The National Seminar intends to provide a common platform for the scientists, researchers, policy makers’ entrepreneurs and other stake holders to explore the various aspects of emerging challenges in agriculture and allied sectors.
Chief Guest Shri Ram Muiva speaking on the occassion
Publications released by the dignitaries
Scientific Publications released by the dignitaries
An IAHF Awardee with the dignitaries
