Shillong, April 30: Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Ramnath Thakur has stressed the need for bringing larger number of farmers under the ambit of various beneficiary schemes in Meghalaya.
The minister, who reviewed implementation of various central government schemes in the state, also urged both Central and State agencies to work in close coordination and collaboration for the welfare of the farming community.
In the meeting, held in presence of Meghalaya Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Timothy D Shira, the union minister was briefed on the challenges being faced by different departments in execution of the scheme.
Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, along with heads of departments, Director of Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Umiam, representatives of Central Potato Research Station, Upper Shillong and officials from various state line departments were also present.
The union minister, on the occasion, released five pocketbooks published by ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region on green manuring crops such as Cowpea, Dhaincha, Sesbania, and Sunhemp, along with vermicomposting techniques.
The initiative aims to promote biological and sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilizers.
Officials noted that “the pocketbooks are expected to empower farmers by encouraging natural nitrogen fixation methods, thereby reducing cultivation costs and enhancing sustainable agricultural practices.”
“These efforts are envisioned to contribute significantly towards building an Atmanirbhar agricultural sector and realizing the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of a sustainable, self-reliant, and prosperous Viksit Bharat by 2047.”
