Recognising the need for innovation and revitalisation of agroforestry in Meghalaya that has for long adopted only traditional methods, a workshop was organised by at the office of the Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA) here yesterday.
The workshop titled “Reimagining Agroforestry in Meghalaya: The Need for Strengthening and Rethinking” was jointly organised by the Centre of Excellence, the Community-led Landscape Management Project (CLLMP), IORA, and the Government Innovation Lab (SCEP).
Besides identifying the best sustainable agroforestry models across diverse agro-climatic regions of Meghalaya the workshop dwelt on integrating optimal tree growing and agricultural practices, exploring strategies to enhance existing plantations/agroforestry models or develop new ones, fostering cross-department collaboration to create a stakeholder ecosystem for expanding the benefits of carbon finance through agroforestry, and outlining the requisite support needed for successful agroforestry implementation in Meghalaya.
Principal Secretary & Development Commissioner, Sampath Kumar stressed on prioritising conservation efforts and to explore innovative solutions to combat global warming. “Initiatives such as the carbon finance project will play a crucial role in incentivizing environmental conservation, with 80 per cent of the benefits directed towards farmers,” he said.
He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts in the state to advance sustainable development initiatives and also highlighted the government’s commitment to creating value and purpose, particularly in addressing climate change challenges and harnessing associated opportunities.
“It’s crucial to link global conservation efforts with the distinct local methods, stressing the importance of adaptability to cater to farmers’ changing requirements. I’m excited about the continuous research in natural farming and its fusion with agroforestry practices,” Kumar added.
He further urged various line departments to delve into carbon credit opportunities and assume responsibility for conservation initiatives to enhance self-accountability.
During his welcome address, Executive Director of MBDA & APD – CLLMP and Meg-Life, Gunanka D B highlighted the strategic initiative to integrate existing plantations into a carbon finance project, with a parallel goal of enhancing their sustainability through agroforestry practices.
He said the workshop is dedicated to identifying the best sustainable agroforestry models across diverse agro-climatic regions of Meghalaya, focusing on integrating optimal tree growing and agricultural practices, and exploring strategies to leverage financial incentives for this transformative agenda.
Co-chairman & Director, Centre of Excellence (NRM & Sustainable Livelihoods), Dr. Subhash Ashutosh emphasized the need to leverage agroforestry for soil health, biodiversity enhancement, increased productivity, and farmer incentives.
In his presentation, he highlighted the multifaceted benefits of agroforestry and its potential to address several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He addressed the pressing issue of soil erosion in Meghalaya and emphasized the need to expand green cover outside forest areas to restore ecological balance.
A group discussion focused on reviewing successes and challenges to scale up existing models. Emphasis was placed on various agroforestry models, including those based on areca nut, broom grass, other fruit and commercial species, and forestry tree species.
Participants shared valuable insights and ideas, with one community member suggesting the cultivation of litchi and plum. Another participant highlighted the challenges associated with profitability, especially with fluctuations in the price of broom grass.
CEO of IORA Ecological Solutions, Swapan Mehra and Anne-Lot Kemna, RM Partnerships India, Acorn, highlighted their ongoing efforts to develop a green economy in Meghalaya. They outlined plans to cover 50,000 hectares of existing and 100,000 hectares of new plantation over the next two years, with a focus on sustainable forest management and community empowerment.
Notable Speakers and experts from various line departments and organizations and Community Members from different districts of the state attended the workshop.
