Shillong, Oct 25: In a moment of pride for ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), West Garo Hills, Chekjing M Sangma, a 67-year-old smallholder from Sadolpara village under Dadenggre Block, West Garo Hills, received national recognition when Prime Minister Narendra Modi appreciated his efforts in millet promotion during the radio programme Mann Ki Baat.
Sangma owns approximately 1.5 hectares of agricultural land where he cultivates millet, cotton and various vegetables. Earlier, he practised traditional millet cultivation under the shifting cultivation system locally known as jhum. Following his association with ICAR-KVK West Garo Hills, he adopted improved millet varieties and scientific crop management practices.
He now cultivates four to five millet varieties, demonstrating the potential of improved agricultural technologies to enhance crop productivity and farm income.
The adoption of scientific cultivation practices has improved his farming outcomes and strengthened his livelihood. His success has also earned him respect among fellow farmers and motivated other farmers in the village to take up millet cultivation. His journey exemplifies how the integration of traditional knowledge with improved varieties and scientific agronomic practices can promote crop diversification, sustainable agriculture and livelihood security.
The recognition by the PM underscores the importance of grassroots agricultural innovation and millet promotion in strengthening food and nutritional security, ICAR-KVK West Garo Hills said in a release. Sangma has emerged as an inspiration for farming communities in Meghalaya and the wider North Eastern region, demonstrating how scientific interventions and effective extension support can transform traditional farming into a more productive and sustainable enterprise.
