President of India Droupadi Murmu today had to cancel her attendance at the ICAR Research Complex for North East Hill Region at Umiam, Ri-Bhoi, due to bad weather but delivered a recorded message that was played at the function.
Murmu said that the institute has developed hundreds of crop varieties suited to the region’s agro-climatic conditions over the years.
“It also has developed pig breeds, poultry and turmeric varieties by introducing high-yielding and climate-resilient varieties of paddy, maize and horticulture crops,” she said, adding that the institute has enhanced food security and rural livelihoods.
The President also said that she was told that the production of food grains and horticultural crops in the region has increased by 30 per cent and 40 per cent, respectively, in the last 10 years.
She also said that the focus on agri-allied sectors like horticulture, livestock, and fisheries has been instrumental in generating livelihood and retaining the youth in agriculture.
Murmu said that the North East has seen a 25 per cent increase in agri-intravenous over the last five years with many youth venturing in floriculture, organic farming and value addition of local produce.
The President also said that scientists should engage in the documentation of indigenous and traditional knowledge associated with the region’s unique crops, livestock and biodiversity.
Murmu also said that the ICAR can help in pairing local knowledge with modern technological tools.
Speaking at the programme, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasised the importance of collaboration between ICAR, state governments and agricultural universities to develop strategies and solutions tailored to the needs of farmers.
He also proposed that these stakeholders work together and convene for consultations every three months to ensure a cohesive approach. The minister also expressed his commitment to being personally present at one of these meetings to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and issues faced by farmers, allowing for more effective support and resolution.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said that logistical challenges have hindered the potential growth of the agriculture and allied sectors in the North East. He thus urged the Centre to strengthen the logistics network in the region.
“The North East can become a hub for the country’s vegetable, organic farm products, mushroom, turmeric, ginger and honey production but, due to logistical challenges, we have not been able to fully capitalise on the potential of our products,” Sangma said.
The lack of cold storage facilities and other infrastructure means that the region’s produce is not being exported to their full potential, he added. Despite these challenges, many products from Meghalaya have found a market in Europe and the UAE, particularly pineapples, oranges, ginger and turmeric.
He also stressed the need for collaboration between ICAR and state machinery to develop research-based solutions for farmers to address diseases and other farm-related challenges, such as the bud rot disease affecting areca nut plantations, which has caused significant damage and posed a severe threat to livelihoods in various parts of the state.
