An agricultural development initiative by ICAR and SWC Department
Training cum exposure programme on ‘Integrated watershed management and farming system’ was organized at the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya by the Crop Production Division of the institute. The two days training programme was held during 13th and 14th March 2015 for the farmers and youths of Makyrwat village South West Khasi Hills. The programme was jointly organized by ICAR under Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) in collaboration with Soil and Water Conservation Division, Makyrwat, Government of Meghalaya. A total of 30 farmers and youths from Makyrwat attended the programme. The farmers got an exposure to various micro-watershed based farming system models, improved piggery, poultry, goat husbandry, residue recycling through compositing and vermi-compositing etc. The training course laid special importance on rainwater harvesting and its efficient utilization and various minute farm management tips and technologies constituted a major part of the discussion.
The ICAR Research complex in collaboration with the Soil and Water Conservation Division, Makyrwat, Government of Meghalaya is implementing a project on “Integrated Water Shed Development” for improved livelihood of the hill farmers in Makyrwat. The project components include water harvesting structures, farm pond for multiple use, backyard poultry farming (Vanaraja and Giriraja breed), improved pig farming (Hampshire x local pig), and kitchen gardening for conservation of soil and water and improving livelihood of the farmers. The farmers of the watershed expressed their happiness on effective implementation of the collaborative programme and showed keen interest in further intensifying the programme for activities such as micro-rain water harvesting structure, and goatery.
The scientist of the institute interacted with the farmers for remedial and preventive measures for various diseases of pigs and poultry. Techniques and tips on integrated farming systems including feeding management, scientific construction of a pig shed and vaccination were the other topics dealt during the training.
The training programme concluded with distribution of goats under the TSP plan of ICAR Research Complex, Umiam. The goats provided to the farmers belonged to the family of Assam Hill goats. The farmers felt that such exposures are the need of the hour and they highly appreciated the efforts of the Institute and SWC Department towards the development of the village. The training programme enhanced and enlightened their knowledge and the implementation of the scientific techniques is sure to provide improved livelihood to the farmers and the youth. This is an initiative taken by the institute for the development of farmers and youth of the village. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Anup Das and Dr. G. Kadirvel, Senior Scientists from ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya.
