Converging experts, farmers and agri-preneurs

NE regional agri conclave for farmers and students

Morung Express News
Dimapur | December 12

A regional agriculture conclave for farmers and students, organised by the Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, began at the Agri Expo, 4th Mile, Chümoukedima on December 12. The 3-day conclave, under the theme— Igniting Agri Revolution (Connecting Agri-preneurs to Circular Economy), seeks to bring together key stakeholders, agri-preneurs and experts, including students, in the agricultural sector. An exhibition of agricultural (allied products) is also being held simultaneously at the venue. 

According to the Vice Chancellor of the CAU, Imphal, Dr Anupam Mishra, the central idea of the conclave is to equip the farmers in the business aspect of farming, while enabling knowledge exchange and collaboration with the farming community. Terming it as the first “mega event” organised by the university in Nagaland, he said that the conclave has the added objective of motivating young talents and attracting investments to the agri sector in the region. 

Nagaland Governor, La Ganesan, who inaugurated the conclave, underscored the significance of the conclave stating that there could not be a fitting opportunity for Nagaland, a state with great agricultural potential. 

At a time when the world is shifting towards quality over quantity, especially in relation to organic farming, he said that the traditional farming practices prevalent in the region will turn out to be an asset. The huge wealth of “alternate food choices and horticultural bio-wealth” that the region offers should also be explored and documented, he said, adding that the CAU, Imphal should take the lead in this endeavour. 

He also noted the steps taken by the university in incorporating “natural methods of farming” in tandem with modern means. He said, “I am aware of his efforts to create an entire curriculum to train our future generations in traditional practices coupled with modern means of agriculture… at the same time, taking care of sustainability of land and panchabhutas of agriculture.”

Placing emphasis on human resource, he recalled Dr MS Swaminathan, regarded as the architect of India’s first green revolution, and other scientists, whose works not only made the country self sufficient in food production but also an exporter. “For any endeavour pertaining to agriculture, human resources play an important role. I am given to understand that the Central Agricultural University has been doing its bit,” he added. 

While he urged the state Agri and allied departments to take advantage of the human resource assembled at the conclave, he said that the farmers should also take the opportunity to gain from the resource personnel. 

From the side of the state government, Deputy Chief Minister, TR Zeliang and the Advisor for Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan were present.  

The Deputy CM termed the conclave as a platform for farmers and agri-preneurs to connect with investors. With the proper guidance from scientists, he said that there is huge scope for Nagaland and the region to become a major player in the agri and allied sectors. According to him, the conclave is a great opportunity for students to interact with the “best minds” and for the farmers to gather innovative ideas.

Mhathung Yanthan, Advisor, Agriculture, said that the region’s climate and soil is conducive to diverse crop cultivation. He however outlined certain challenges that includes insufficient infrastructure like storage and processing facility, poor connectivity due to the region's geographical location, reliance on traditional farming methods affecting yield and a skills gap in agri-preneurship. Overcoming these obstacles would ultimately contribute to the region's economic growth, he said.

Excellence Awards
The CAU, Imphal also handed away the ‘Best Extension Professional Award for 2021-22 and 2022-23. The award for 2021-22 went to Prof Angad Prasad for his contribution to “agricultural extension education with his prominent works including technology transfer to farmers, entrepreneurship development programmes for landless and marginal farmers and women empowerment.

He worked his way up from a ‘Village Extension worker’ in Uttar Pradesh to become the Deputy Director of Extension Education, CAU, Imphal. He has a doctoral degree in Agricultural Extension Education. 

Dr Janmejay Parhi from Odisha was given the award for 2022-23 in recognition of his contribution in “espousing the cause of the fishery farmers in Tripura.” He holds a doctoral degree in fisheries sciences.