Shillong, May 8: Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Timothy D Shira on Friday underscored the need for sustainable hill farming and “eco-friendly, farmer-centric technologies during an interactive meeting with scientists at the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam.
The meeting, aimed at strategizing ways to promote sustainable agriculture and improve farmers’ livelihoods in Meghalaya, was also attended by Dr AK Mohanty, Director of ATARI Zone-VII, and officials from various state line departments.
Addressing the gathering, Shira emphasized the importance of sustainable hill farming, climate-resilient agricultural practices, improvement of fisheries, and the promotion of farm machineries suited to the hilly terrain of Meghalaya.
He highlighted the need for adopting eco-friendly and farmer-centric technologies to ensure long-term agricultural sustainability and enhanced productivity in the state.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr G Kadirvel, Director of ICAR RC for NEH Region, Umiam, highlighted technologies developed by the institute for farmers across the North East.
Responding to a query on millets cultivation, he stressed the importance of identifying and mapping district-wise suitable areas for millet cultivation to promote nutritional security and climate-smart farming systems.
Dr AK Mohanty also spoke about various technologies that have been tested and recommended for adoption in farmers’ fields to enhance productivity, sustainability, and resilience in agriculture.
