The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), South Garo Hills, in collaboration with the College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences, Umiam distributed hand-held brush cutters to farmers from 18 villages in the Chokpot C&RD Block at its campus on Friday.
The initiative is part of the “Cashew Area Expansion in Non-Traditional Areas and Cashew Awareness Campaign,” funded by the AICRP, ICAR–Directorate of Cashew Research, Puttur. It aims to promote cashew cultivation in shifting cultivation areas of the South Garo Hills, benefiting farmers in Warimagre, Sandong Songma, Papa Songgitalgre, Kene Badimagre, Kilbolmagre, Damalgre, Budugre, Budu Watregre, Simkalanggre, Bilgre, Daji Badimagre, Dagal Asimgre, Agalgre, Dagal Gopgre, Ringkapgre, Balwatgre, Asimgre and Bandarigre villages.
Dr. Athokpam Haribhushan, Principal Scientist and Head of KVK, South Garo Hills, highlighted the importance of cashew as a viable crop for the region. He emphasized expanding cashew plantations in available upland areas traditionally used for jhum cultivation.
The program also featured multiple technical training sessions. Topics included production of quality planting material through softwood grafting, high-density planting (HDP), canopy architecture management, soil and water conservation, organic nutrient application, rejuvenation of old cashew orchards, and integrated pest and disease management.
Expert sessions were conducted by Basu Langpoklakpam (Horticulture); Rike Chelchak A. Sangma (Agronomy)and Dr. Tanya R. Marak (Plant Protection), all Subject Matter Specialists associated with KVK.
The initiative is expected to enhance livelihoods by improving productivity and promoting sustainable agriculture in the hilly terrain of Meghalaya.
