ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region launched the Farmers’ First Programme (FFP) at Mawsiatkhnam village under Mawlai block, East Khasi Hills district on September 3.
This event marked a significant milestone as it was for the first time such a program was introduced to the village. In addition to the FFP launch, a Custom Hiring Centre was inaugurated to support local farmers with modern agricultural machinery and technologies.
Senior Scientist and the Principal Investigator of the FFP, Dr. N. Uttam Singh said the project aims to provide farmers with state-of-the-art resources, innovative tools, and essential support to improve productivity and sustainability through advanced farming systems. He added that this initiative is a part of a broader effort to enhance agricultural practices in the region, promoting more efficient and sustainable farming techniques.
During the inaugural programme, Dr. Heiplanmi Rymbai, Senior Scientist highlighted the crucial role of horticultural crops in the local economy and their market potential.
Shanmebansan Marbaniang, SMS-Extension from KVK East Khasi Hills, elaborated on the benefits of the Custom Hiring Centre, explaining how it would enable farmers to access new technologies and farm mechanization on a rental basis, thereby reducing initial costs and increasing productivity.
Mawlai MLA Brightstarwell Marbaniang who attended the programme as the chief guest applauded the ICAR’s initiative and its potential benefits for the village. He emphasised on the need for similar initiatives to be extended to other farming communities in the region.
He urged local farmers to make judicious use of available resources, embrace new farming technologies, and leverage the support offered by the FFP to enhance their agricultural output and improve their overall livelihoods.
The event was followed by inputs distribution to the farmers which included vegetable seeds, Jalkundsilpauline sheets etc. Farm Machineries were also handed to the newly inaugurated Custom Hiring Centre.
