The National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS) Barapani Chapter, in collaboration with the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, hosted a pivotal brainstorming session titled, “Positioning Northeast Agriculture Towards Amrit Kaal” today.
Prominent agricultural scientists, researchers, and policymakers were present at the session to discuss strategies for aligning the region’s agricultural growth with the visionary goals of Amrit Kaal.
NAAS Vice President Dr. K.M. Bujarbaruah chaired the session and summarised the key insights and future directions for Northeast agriculture, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving the goals of Amrit Kaal.
He said the objective of the meeting is to see how best it is possible to use the bio diversity of the region and convert it to bio resources to achieve a bio economy.
A series of keynote lectures followed, featuring insights from distinguished experts in various fields of agriculture. Dr. S.K. Barik, Professor at NEHU Shillong and Former Director of CSIR NBRI, Lucknow, gave presentations on “Transforming Food Systems to Support Biodiversity,” highlighting the importance of sustainable practices in preserving biodiversity.
Dr. A. Pattanayak, Former Director of ICAR IIAB, Ranchi, and ICAR VPKAS, Almora, discussed a “Strategic Roadmap for Crop Sector Growth in Northeast India: Aligning with Amrit Kaal Goals,” outlining strategies to boost crop productivity. He also emphasised that with the prevailing situations more scientific work can be done on flood tolerant rice varieties and the need to focus on areas of animal dominancy like the extensive growth of monkeys at places in Assam, which is hampering the growth of crop productivity.
Dr. G. Kadirvel, Director of ICAR ATARI Zone VI, Guwahati, delivered a lecture on “Agricultural Startups to Transform NE Agriculture to Meet Amrit Kaal Requirements,” focusing on the role of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Dr. Anup Das, Director of ICAR RCER, Patna, spoke on “Exploring Organic & Natural Farming as Drivers of Green Economy,” emphasising the potential of organic farming in driving sustainable economic growth.
The session also featured Dr. N.H. Mohan, National Fellow and Principal Scientist at ICAR NRC on Pig, Guwahati, who discussed “Animal Agriculture of NE in Amrit Kaal,” focusing on improving livestock productivity and health.
A keynote lecture was presented by Dr. S.K. Majhi, Head of ICAR CIFRI Regional Centre, Guwahati, on “Taking NE Fisheries towards Amrit Kaal,” explored opportunities and challenges in advancing the fisheries sector in Northeast India.
In his closing remarks Dr Bujarbaruah mentioned that North East had missed the green revolution ‘Bus’ and said it is time to lead the ‘Ever Green Revolution Bus’. He stressed on working in areas of seed self-sufficiency, water saving device technology, conservation agriculture and harvesting green energy.
