27th February 2025,
        The Division of Technology Assessment and Capacity Building, ICAR RC NEH, visited the Custom Hiring Centre (CHC) and the site selected for the establishment of two Integrated Farming System (IFS) units in Mawsiatkhnam. The CHC has been instrumental in providing essential agricultural machinery and equipment to small and marginal farmers, enhancing efficiency in land preparation and crop management. Farmers expressed appreciation for the timely availability of machinery, which has significantly reduced labour costs and improved productivity. They also requested a demonstration programme on how to properly operate the distributed machinery to ensure its effective and safe use.
        During the visit, the team also assessed the two site identified for setting up the IFS unit. The selected locations has favourable conditions for integrating multiple farming components such as crop cultivation, livestock, and fisheries. However, the construction of low-cost poultry and pig sheds over ponds needs to be addressed before full implementation. Farmers in the area showed keen interest in the initiative and expressed the need for technical guidance and resource support to optimize land use and improve farm productivity.
        To ensure the success of the IFS unit, it is necessary to implement land development measures, improve water management strategies, and conduct training programs to prepare farmers for integrated farming. Continued technical support and capacity-building efforts will be essential to maximize the benefits of this initiative. The visit provided valuable insights into the impact of the CHC and the potential of the IFS unit in enhancing agricultural sustainability in Mawsiatkhnam. The programme was coordinated by Dr. N. Uttam Singh (Senior Scientist and PI FFP); Dr. M. Bishonath Singh (Senior Research Fellow) and Mr. Wanbiang Dkhar (Project Assistant); Dr. Nivetina Laitonjam (YP-II) and Ph. Menaka Sharma (Project Associate)