Farmers’ training cum awareness programme on “Soil Health Card for Better Crop Productivity” at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam
Three days Farmers’ training cum awareness programme on “Soil Health Card for Better Crop Productivity” was organized by the Division of Natural Resource Management (Soil Science), ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya from 9th to 11th March, 2016 under Tribal Sub Plan (TSP). The aim of this training programme was to generate awareness among the tribal farmers about the importance of soil testing and to popularize the soil health card for better crop production. A total of 26 farmers from various villages of East Khasi Hlls, West Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi District participated in this programme, which started on 9th March, 2016 with the inaugural session.
At the very outset Dr. S. Hazarika, Principle Scientist (Soil Science), Division of NRM, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya welcomed the dignitaries and participants. Dr. D. J. Rajkhowa, Principal Scientist and I/C Head, Division of NRM & PI (NICRA Project), elaborated the importance of soil testing and soil health card for food grain production in the country and the Northeast India. He urged the farmers to go for soil testing and apply the recommended nutrients either through organic or inorganic sources under the climate change scenario for increasing productivity in agriculture. The three days programme covered several lectures, practical’s as well as visit to the farm related with the theme of the training. During the training, lectures on- Soil health card- its importance and relevance, soil health card for improving crop productivity in Northeastern India, soil testing and results interpretation, use of soil health card based upon on soil testing report etc. had been covered by different scientists; Dr. S. Hazarika, Dr. Ramesh T., Dr. Manoj Kumar, Dr. B.C.Verma and Mrs. P. Moriangthem . Beside this, practicals’ on soil sampling, processing and labelling for soil health card preparation, demonstration on Rapid soil health testing kits etc. has also been covered. The training ended with the valedictory function on 11th March, 2016. Honorable Director of the institute Dr. S.V. Nagachan graced the valedictory function. He highlighted the significance of this training programme for farmers in northeast India and Meghalaya in particular. He also appreciated the efforts and initiatives taken by the Division of Natural Resource Management (Soil Science) and congratulated the Course Coordinators for their sincere efforts. He distributed the participation certificate to the all the farmers. He interacted with the farmers and distributed the “Rapid soil health testing kit” to each farmers and copy of soil health card. Finally the programme ended with the vote of thanks by Dr. B.C.Verma, Course Coordinator of the programme.
