The importance of agro-ecology in addressing the challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity was underlined at the Meghalaya State Level Stakeholders Consultative Meet held yesterday at the College of Post Graduate Studies of Agricultural Sciences, Umiam.
Organised by Alliance of Biodiversity International and CIAT, New Delhi, the event also highlighted the importance of collaboration among government agencies, researchers, farmers, and other stakeholders to implement effective agro-ecological practices.
The gathering provided a platform for various stakeholders, including government officials, experts, researchers, and farmers to discuss and explore strategies for sustainable agricultural development in the region.
The successful conduct of the event was because of the support of various national and international agencies such as Himalayan Agroecology Initiative (HAI), World Future Council, IFOAM Organics International, IFAD and German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).
Dr. Dhrupad Choudhury, a freelance researcher and Dr. Parul Thapa, Technical Advisor, GIZ-India, also delivered insightful addresses and highlighted the importance of agro-ecology in preserving the region’s biodiversity, ensuring food security, and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
A parallel session involving group discussions was conducted simultaneously, allowing participants to delve into specific topics of interest. The discussions were organised into three groups: Line Departments, Scientist of Line Departments, Food Processing, FPO, FPC, and Farmers Group.
These sessions provided opportunities for participants to share their experiences, challenges, and potential solutions related to their respective areas of expertise.
An open discussion and interaction session followed, where participants had the chance to engage in dialogue with experts and discuss the key takeaways from the meeting.
Further, the discussions demonstrated the potential of sustainable agriculture to improve livelihoods, protect the environment, and enhance food security in Meghalaya.
In addition, participants identified key challenges and opportunities related to agro-ecological development in the region, providing valuable insights for future actions.
The event provided a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and building partnerships towards a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future for Meghalaya.
Overall, the Himalayan Agro Ecology Initiatives Meghalaya Stakeholders Consultative Meeting was a successful event that contributed significantly to advancing the understanding and implementation of agro-ecological practices in the region.
The insights gained from this meeting can inform policy decisions, research initiatives, and farmer training programmes to promote sustainable and resilient agriculture in Meghalaya.
