A programme titled “Promotion of Tribal Farmers’ Livelihood in Meghalaya through Capacity Development and Input Support” under the Tribal Sub-Plan was organised at the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam.
As part of the programme, three agreements were signed to establish three new Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs) between ICAR, Umiam and registered farmer societies.
Custom Hiring Centre (CHC) are basically a unit comprising a set of farm machinery, implements and equipment meant for custom hiring by farmers. The main objective of CHC is to supply farm implements to small, marginal and poor farmers at subsidised rates on hire.
The MoUs were signed with Iaryntihlang (FACT) Integrated Village Co-operative Society Ltd, Umrynjah (East Khasi Hills), Bankyntiew SHG, Umket (Ri-Bhoi), Kynhun Dorbar Integrated Village Cooperative Society, Umktieh, Mawkhim (Ri-Bhoi).
During the event, agricultural equipment, poultry seeds, and winter vegetable seeds worth Rs 4.5 lakh were handed over to each society for the CHCs. These CHCs will assist poor and marginal farmers by providing access to costly farm machinery on a rental basis at nominal fees.
ICAR Umiam Director Dr. V K Mishra, in his welcome address, informed the distinguished gathering that the institute has developed a web-based application to ensure transparency and accountability in the utilisation of public funds for various outreach programmes involving input dissemination.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest, Dr. Anupam Mishra, Vice Chancellor of Central Agriculture University, emphasised that there are many indigenous technologies available among the farmers of this region and it would be beneficial to standardise these indigenous technologies with the help of our scientists. He also said that scientists should also view the TSP Flagship Programme as a means to reach the tribal farmers of this region.
