The College of Agriculture at Kyrdemkula, Ri-Bhoi, organised the Second Farmer Innovation Expo 2021 on integrated farmer system and natural farming for livelihood security of small and marginal farmers in the North East region.
The three-day event ran from April 6 to 8.
Integrated farmer system (IFS) is considered as a potential tool for the development of agriculture in the hill areas of the North East, the college said in a press release today.
Lectures were delivered by resource persons from different institutes and organizations, such as the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR); College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences, Umiam; ICAR, Umiam; NABARD, Shillong; and the Regional Poultry Breeding Farm, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, Kyrdemkulai.
Farmer-scientist interactions were also conducted involving various experts and local stakeholders to identify the challenges and opportunities for promotion of IFS.
In the Inaugural sessions, Dr Arun Kumar Sarma graced the event as chief guest. Dr UK Behera, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Kyrdemkulai, presided over the function as chairman. Dr Behera explained to the audience how IFSs serve as the master plan for development of farmers of the North East hill region, which can be effectively promoted in this state. It is an important business plan which is the need of the hour for the overall development of the small and marginal farmers to make the farmer an entrepreneur, he added.
At the valedictory session yesterday, Umsning MLA Jason Sawkmie Mawlong and Dr Shakil Ahmed, Principal Secretary (Agriculture and Farmers Welfare), graced the event and addressed the gatherings. In all, more than 1,000 farmers were benefited through this year’s expo.
