Venue: Sylleiular village, Ribhoi District
Date: 3rd June 2026
A group of MGMG Team 6 Scientists of ICARNEH, Umiam comprising of Dr. Krishnappa, Dr. Vivek Joshi, Dr. Mahasweta Chakraborty and
Dr. Nandakumar visited Sylleiular village, Ribhoi District on 3rd June, 2026 and conducted an intensive awareness programme on Balanced
Use of Fertilizers under the Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav (MGMG) and Khet Bachao Abhiyaan campaign. The programme started with introductory remarks
emphasizing major objectives of the programme by Dr. Krishnappa R., Senior Scientist (Crop Physiology). Shri Bandari Rythathiang, Local leader
(President of Umroi Mandal) delivered welcome address and set the tone for programme. Dr. Mahasweta, Scientist (Soil Science) highlighted the
importance of soil testing by using rapid soil testing kit as developed by ICAR NEH, Umiam and enlightened about relevance of diversification with
alternative organic amendments to reduce over dependency on fertilizers vis a vis enhance environmental sustainability in the hill region.
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Dr. Nandakumar, Scientist (Horticulture) underscored the role of biopesticides, biofertilizers and biostimulants for higher productivity & sustainability of hill agriculture to overcome non judicious & excess use of harmful chemicals in the fragile hill ecosystems. Dr. Krishnappa emphasised the importance of adopting best practices of scientific cum technology led hill agriculture, distinguished role of cultivating pulses as sole crop or intercrop either during kharif & rabi season for nitrogen enrichment, importance of growing climate smart rice & millets and application of biochar for increasing productivity of acid soil. Dr Vivek, Scientist (Animal Health) sensitized about scientific piggery, ASF (African Swine Fever) management and poultry farming for improved livelihoods. The programme witnessed the participation of two programme coordinators of Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA) who work for promotion of organic farming. A total of 35 farmers, agri-entreprenuers & civil society representatives (6 male and 29 female) participated. Distribution of key inputs like quality seeds of rice and millets were also undertaken. The programme concluded with an interactive discussion and vote of thanks by village representative Mr Arjun Khurmawlong. During the field visit, Dr. Krishnappa and Dr. Nandakumar also diagnosed and addressed the Botrytis issue in dragonfruit and strawberry. Overall, participants were provided valuable knowledge on best practices of climate resilient hill agriculture, scientific livestock farming, biocontrol agents, balanced fertilizer use and integrated soil health management suitable for acidic soils in the region.
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