Shillong, Jan 20: A stakeholders’ meet under the NICRA–Technology Demonstration Component (NICRA-TDC) was organised by ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Ri Bhoi, at Liarkhla, Thandnongiaw and Mawbri villages today, marking an important engagement between farmers, scientists and policy-level leadership.
The gathering provided a comprehensive platform to review the progress and achievements made under NICRA-TDC in enhancing farmers’ awareness and adaptive capacity in the face of changing agro-climatic conditions.
The major concerns raised included the non-availability of quality seeds and livestock, the need to become self-reliant in animal feed production, and the lack of infrastructure for value addition and processing of agricultural produce.
Deputy Director General (Natural Resource Management), Dr. A. K. Nayak, ICAR, New Delhi while addressing the meet underscored the significance of climate-resilient agricultural interventions in the district. He lauded the consistent and impactful extension efforts undertaken by KVK Ri Bhoi, particularly in promoting climate-resilient agriculture through location-specific demonstrations, capacity building programmes and farmer-centric advisory services.
Nayak emphasised that such initiatives have played a crucial role in sensitising farmers to sustainable natural resource management practices amid increasing climate variability.
The programme witnessed the participation of the Director, ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill (NEH) Region, Umiam, Heads of Divisions, Scientists from ICAR–ATARI Zone VII, and the full team of Principal Scientist and Head, Subject Matter Specialists and Programme Assistant of ICAR-KVK Ri Bhoi.
The meet concluded with deliberations that helped outline a broad roadmap for future endeavours, focusing on strengthening climate resilience, improving productivity and enhancing livelihoods through informed, participatory and science-based agricultural development in the region.
