Shillong, Mar 27: A training, awareness, and input distribution programme on Integrated Farming System (IFS) at Umdihar village, Ri Bhoi on Wednesday where 30 farmers from the village participated in the programme.
The event, organised by ICAR KVK Ri Bhoi in collaboration with the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Ri-Bhoi, focused on the integration of crop cultivation, livestock management, agroforestry, and aquaculture and aimed to introduce local farmers to sustainable farming practices and demonstrate how IFS can improve farm productivity and income.
The programme began with an introduction to the concept of IFS.
Agricultural experts from ICAR KVK explained how integrating multiple farming activities can boost productivity, improve soil health, and reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers. The training sessions included practical demonstrations on growing summer vegetables, seed selection, sowing techniques, and pest management.
Special emphasis was placed on organic farming practices to reduce the use of chemicals, thus promoting environmental sustainability. Water management was another key focus of the training. The experts shared techniques such as rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation methods, which are crucial in the region’s variable climatic conditions.
The goal was to ensure that farmers could better manage water resources and improve crop yields while reducing wastage.
As part of the programme, participating farmers received high-quality summer vegetable seeds to help farmers diversify their crops and engage in vegetable farming, which can provide additional income throughout the year.
