Shri Timothy D. Shira, Hon’ble State Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Meghalaya, visited ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region today and held an interactive meeting with scientists and officials to discuss strategies for promoting sustainable agriculture and improving farmers’ livelihoods in the state.
        The interactive meeting was also attended by Dr. A.K. Mohanty, Director, ATARI Zone-VII, along with officials from various state line departments.
        Addressing the gathering, Shri Timothy D. Shira emphasized the importance of sustainable hill farming, climate-resilient agricultural practices, improvement of fisheries, and the promotion of farm machineries suited to the hilly terrain of Meghalaya. He highlighted the need for adopting eco-friendly and farmer-centric technologies to ensure long-term agricultural sustainability and enhanced productivity in the state.
        Speaking on the occasion, Dr. G. Kadirvel, Director, ICAR RC for NEH Region, Umiam highlighted the various technologies developed by the institute for the benefit of farmers across the North Eastern region. Responding to a query on millets cultivation, he stressed the importance of identifying and mapping district-wise suitable areas for millet cultivation to promote nutritional security and climate-smart farming systems.
        Dr. Kadirvel further informed that the institute has developed comprehensive Packages of Practices for various crops, which can be shared with the State Department for wider dissemination among farmers. He also mentioned that several Integrated Farming System (IFS) models have been successfully developed and tested by the institute, offering sustainable and diversified livelihood opportunities for farmers in the region.
        Dr. A.K. Mohanty also spoke about the various technologies that have been tested and recommended for adoption in farmers’ fields to enhance productivity, sustainability, and resilience in agriculture.
        The visit underscored the collaborative efforts between research institutions and the State Government towards advancing sustainable, climate-resilient, and farmer-friendly agriculture in Meghalaya and the North Eastern region.