The three day National seminar concludes at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region
The three days National Seminar on “Smart Farming for Enhancing Input Use efficiency, Income and Environmental Security” came to an end today. The seminar was organized by Indian Association of Hill Farming in collaboration with ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region. Shri Pralad Singh Patel, Member of Parliament, graced the valedictory session as the Chief Guest. The other dignitaries present for the occasion were Shri K. M Bujurbaruah Vice Chancellor, Assam Agricultural University, Dr. B. C Deka Director ATARI, ICAR NEH, Dr. A. K Tripathi, Director ATARI, Guwahati besides others.
The National Seminar witnessed 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 played a key role in the technical session discussions. Addressing the gathering Dr S V. Ngachan, President, IAHF and Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region said the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi has a vision for the country, he aims to double the farmers’ income by 2020 and the responsibility to achieve the target is entrusted to scientists of the nation. The seminar witnessed intellectual presentation by young scientist from all over the nation which gave a new direction to research a step ahead in achieving Prime ministers vision.
Dr A. K Tripathi, Director ATARI, Guwahati speaking on the occasion said that ATARI is an integral part of the ICAR system and we cannot achieve anything without knowledge management. Information technology plays a key role in the development of the nation and ATARI aims to achieve Prime Ministers, vision and has taken steps in this direction and the national seminar is a positive step towards the same.
Dr K. M Bujurbaruah Vice Chancellor, Assam Agricultural University speaking as a lead speaker said that after independence we were a mal-nourished nation and we have come a long way to achieve the status of a food secured nation and we have a long way to go in achieving and becoming a food surplus nation. He further added that along with the nation the institute has come a long way and its contribution towards a food security which cannot be ignored. Smart faming though a new concept has immense potential in “doubling farmers” income. Technology should be used at its best so that we can get maximum benefit from its usage. The aim of the institute is to stand by the famers and with the use of technology we can achieve it in a greater way.
The Chief Guest for the occasion Shri Pralad Singh Patel, Member of Parliament, addressing the august gathering said that India is an agricultural nation and the next green revolution will begin from the North Eastern states. Northeast is rich in bio- diversity and is a hot spot for medicinal plants but the region faces a lot of limitations in terms of connectivity and hence it is not self sufficient. Hill farming is a challenge and the scientific technology should reach the farmers’ which is only possible if the scientist act as a median in the process. The distance between the farmers’ and the scientist should be omitted and this can be only achieved through awareness. He urged the ICAR scientist to remove the gap between the farmer and the scientist. He further added that research in paper is of no use if it is not applied in the farmers’ field. The biodiversity of the region should be preserved and technology should be applied in the preservation process.
The three days seminar witnessed twelve technical sessions and various innovative recommendations came into light which was highlighted in the valedictory session. Value addition of products along with rain water harvesting will help in developing entrepreneurship which will ultimately give a boost to farmers’ income which is the aim of the institute. The National Seminar provided 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.
Valedicatory session at ICAR Umiam
Dr. S.V.Ngachan along with the dignataries
