The College of Agriculture, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Kyrdemkulai here has introduced a Bachelor of Science programme in natural farming.
CAU, Imphal Vice Chancellor Dr. Anupam Mishra informed that the introduction of natural faring in the course curricula at undergraduate level has been planned by ICAR to reorient agriculture graduates for learning our ancestral agricultural knowledge.
The agri-graduates in the field of natural farming have to be made ambassador with innovative thought process and capable to foster the social and cultural and economic growth, he said.
The launch function was attended by Dr. Himanshu Pathak, Secretary, DARE & Director General of ICAR, New Delhi as the chief guest who remarked that today was historic for university and assured to provide all round support to develop the College of Agriculture, Kyrdemkulai as a world class college.
He also urged students to set their goals which must give them opportunity to serve the society.
Pathak further said that natural farming is emerging as an alternative form of agriculture that emphasises the best possible use of indigenous knowledge and practices in accordance with agro-ecological principles.
Pointing out that the Bharitiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhti is promoted to increase output sustainability, water conservation, soil health and farmland ecosystem, he said there is also a need for development of human resources and trained manpower.
He also said that integration of modern science and technology with traditional thoughts and practices is the need of the hour which is possible through agricultural students. “It is also pertinent that agriculture cannot be left out without use of modern technologies. Judicious use of modern tools and techniques can boost agricultural production without hampering the quality,” he added.
Others who spoke were Dr. S. K. Chaudhury, DDG, Natural Resource Management of ICAR, Prof. Dwipendra Thakuria, Dean, CPGS-AS, Umiam and Prof. Ram Singh, Dean, College of Agriculture, Kyrdemkulai.
During the programme, a natural farming block in the administrative cum academic building of the college was also inaugurated.
