Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Narendra Singh Tomar on Thursday inaugurated the administrative cum academic block office of the College of Agriculture at Kyrdemkulai, Meghalaya. He also ceremoniously inaugurated the Girls Hostel of the College.
“Northeast is of utmost importance. It is home to different cultures. It is rich in natural resources and is blessed with good climate. Northeast is the heaven of our country and Meghalaya’s geographical scenario is such that we can develop it if we try with all our efforts”, said the Union Minister while addressing the North East Krishi Kumbha – 2023 & 49th Foundation Day later in the day at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam.
Shri Tomar expressed delight in the fact that agriculture has become a priority. “With new age, there is a need to adapt to new technologies. Ensuring these technologies reach every Farmer in India, in Meghalaya and help raise the income is the need of the hour,” he said.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, every segment of the agriculture domain has been looked after. Initiatives such as PM-Kisan, Fasal Bima Yojana, promotion of digital agriculture, infrastructure development fund in agriculture sector as well as providing easy loans to Farmers across the country have been facilitated under his leadership,” stated the Union Minister while stressing on the Government’s efforts to improve the sector.
The minister said that farmers, farming should always be treated with honour. “A farmer not only supports his family but also contributes to the agricultural economy of the country and our government’s priority has always been to ensure prosperity of farmers and development of agriculture”, the minister added. The Minister, while asserting that India is now not only a food producing nation but also an exporter, stressed on the quality of production in addition to increasing the produce.
Earlier the Minister also stressed on the importance of Agri-startups and that the College of Agriculture under the Agriculture University, Imphal would play a major role in framing modern agricultural methods for increased productivity.
“I am happy that Northeast is home to organic farming. In the past days, the maximum share of Agricultural exports of organic products has been from the Northeast Region,” he said. The Minister added that Northeast, despite its challenges, can utilize its resources and contribute in livelihood generation, natural farming and much more.
“The Officers, Scientists working in the agriculture sector have important roles to play in improving production, technological advancement, to shift technology from the labs to the Famers’ land”, the minister opined. I hope everyone engaged in the sector contributes all that they can for its overall progress, added the Minister.
Further, to encourage the spirit of the farming community and appreciating their contribution towards the development of agriculture, several progressive farmers awarded by the Union Minister. During the inaugural session, Souvenir of the event, Taskforce report and other publications were released as well as Roll Amp African Swine Fever kit, Northeast Soil Plus (NES+) and other mobile apps were launched. Few products developed by the ICAR ABI entrepreneurs were also launched.
K Moses Chalai, Secretary, North Eastern Council, Dr B C Deka, VC AAU, Jorhat, Dr Anupam Mishra, VC, CAU, Imphal, Dr S K Chaudhuri, DDG (NRM), ICAR, New Delhi, Dr K M Bujarbaruah, Former DDG & VC AAU, Dr V K Mishra, Director ICAR, NEH Region and senior officials of Government of India and Government of Meghalaya were present during the programmes.
The highlights of the North East Krishi Kumbha – 2023 include live demonstrations and exhibition of recent technologies through the 102 number of stalls, by the host institute and its regional centers along with all the ICAR institutes in the region viz, NRC on Orchid, Mithun, Yak, CPCRI, NBPGR as well as different Institutes and organizations like NESAC, Central Agricultural University, Assam Agricultural University, NABARD, Coffee Board of India, NECBDC, state departments of all the eight states and others. The cultural event and ethnic food stalls added flavor blending the entire development of agriculture with the rich region-centric traditions.