CAU Imphal for investing in agri technology, sustaining organic practices in NER

December 15, 2023 17 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Dimapur | December 15

Investment in technology would inject much needed thrust in the agriculture sector in the northeast (NE) region of India, asserted the Chancellor of the Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal. The 3-day Regional Agri Fair, organised by the CAU, Imphal, at the NE Agri Expo, 4th Mile, Chümoukedima, concluded on December 14, where the Chancellor, Prof Pradeep Kumar Joshi spoke at the valedictory session.

Concurring with what he said was the university’s Vice Chancellor encouraging the use of “advanced technology,” Prof Joshi said that employing drones, remote sensing and mobile-based technologies would be more suitable for the terrain and farming practices of the NE. “I am happy that the Central Agricultural University is looking into these technologies, but I suggest that the University should seek more cooperation with like-minded institutions in this regard,” he said.

The progress of organic farming in the region, he said, has been another area worth highlighting. In the context of the region’s unique agricultural landscape, he said that organic farming, “with its emphasis on sustainability and minimal use of synthetic inputs, aligns perfectly with the ecological diversity of our region.”

In the face of climate change, he said that agricultural institutions must lead the way in adopting practices that reduce carbon footprint and enhance resilience.

He asserted that the community must continue championing the cause of organic farming. According to him, the success stories shared during the fair-cum-conclave would serve as inspiration for more farmers to consider adopting organic methods.

The fair also served as a conclave of key stakeholders in the agricultural sector, including farmers, undergraduate students, scientists, agri-preneurs and potential investors with the objective of forging greater collaboration and exchange of knowledge among them. It saw a footfall of almost 1200 delegates, more than 700 of who were farmers. It was informed that more than 600 were from Nagaland. Other delegates included Farmer Producer Organisations, Farmer Based Organisations, Self Help Groups and officials from government institutions and technology and management institutes.

Prof Joshi regarded the conclave as “the convergence of ideas, a celebration of innovation, and a commitment to transforming the agricultural landscape of North East India.”

While calling for carrying forward the spirit of India’s agricultural revolution, he said, “Let us implement the ideas generated, embrace sustainable practices and continue to learn from one another.” The success of agriculture in the region, he said, hinges on the collective efforts of farmers, researchers, agri-preneurs and all the other stakeholders.

He also recommended the formation of a committee for identifying HR (human resource), who have received international exposure, and using them as “trainers for training other students and faculty.”

The conclave also facilitated exposition of flowers, farming products/produce, live demonstration of technological application in agriculture and a dog show. It had 89 stalls set up by entrepreneurs from various states of the region. The Best Stall Awards went to ATARI (Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute), Zone VII, Umiam, Meghalaya (1st); College Of Horticulture and Forestry, Pasighat (2nd) and College of Community Science, Tura (3rd).