The ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, under its flagship ‘Farmers FIRST Programme’, organised a farmer-scientist interaction and input distribution programme at Mawshiatkhnam village in East Khasi Hills yesterday.
The event witnessed the participation of over 120 farmers from the region. Senior ICAR officials like RR Burman, AK Mohanty, AK Singha and BP Singh attended, along with a team of scientists.
Addressing the gathering, Burman, the Assistant Director General (Agricultural Extension) of ICAR, urged the farmers to work with commitment and unity to transform Mawshiatkhnam into a model village known for agricultural excellence.
During the programme, farmers actively interacted with the visiting scientists, sharing their experiences, concerns and suggestions. As part of the input distribution drive, Vanaraja poultry chicks, fish fingerlings, biopesticides and seasonal vegetable seeds were distributed among the attendees.
Following the event, the visiting team also made a field visit to the Farmers’ Amenity Centre for Tribal (FACT) at Umrynjah village, an innovative extension model developed by ICAR. The model integrates community governance, research collaboration and multi-sectoral service delivery to holistically address the challenges faced by tribal farmers. The dignitaries interacted with the office bearers of FACT and appreciated the community-driven efforts being made under this initiative, a press release stated today.
