ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region Nagaland Centre and Indian Association of Hill Farming organised a national conference on “Hill-Agro Ecosystem; Challenges and Opportunities for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals” at ICAR Nagaland Centre, Jharnapani, Medziphema on 29th November 2024. The Governor of Nagaland, La. Ganesan inaugurated the valedictory Programme of National Conference as the chief guest.
In his speech, the Governor thanked the organizers and participants of the conference for addressing these issues and supporting Hill Community Prosperity, as Agriculture being the backbone of rural economy and source of livelihood for the majority of the population of North East Indian remains a vital source of livelihood and economic substance for the rural Communities.
The Governor also said how different sustainable cropping patterns and resource management practices have evolved in time and have been adopted within the diverse Hill Agro Ecosystem to meet the food and other livelihood requirements of the people in the region.
He also mentioned the numerous challenges faced by the hill farming sector and the need for the enhancement of these skills as the agriculture pattern of hill region needs to be supported by approaches need and region specific crop varieties, safe use of new technologies from mechanization, adequate Infrastructure facilities to foster sustainable growth in agriculture and its allied sector, where he said he was truly encouraged to see this conference which was so essential for enhancing the resilience and productivity of hill agriculture.
The governor also mentioned the uniqueness of Indigenous crops and farming practises makes Nagaland a tremendous potential to develop market agriculture products to benefit local communities and preserve the rich biodiversity.
The Governor also extended his best wishes for the success of the event and hopes it will be beneficial for all participants fostering growth in hill farming and look forward for more awareness which will emerge from this national conference. He thanked the ICAR for hosting this national conference, which has been instrumental in advance and innovation in challenging terrains of northeast India, conserving the highly diverse and unique ecosystem of the hill region.
The inauguration programme was marked by the inauguration of exhibition stalls, singing the National anthem and lighting of lamp. Award of IAHF was also conferred by the governor to the scientist, and also released souvenir and book of abstract.
Short speech was delivered by Dr V. K. Mishra Director, ICAR NEH Umiam, Meghalaya; Dr. AK Tomar, Director ICAR – CSWRI, Avikanagar Rajasthan; Dr R.N. Chatterjee, Director ICAR-DPR Hyderabad; Dr .K.M.L. Pathak, Former DDG Animal Science ICAR New Delhi; Dr P. Das Former DDG ICAR, New Delhi; Dr Anupam Mishra, Vice Chancellor CAU Imphal; Dr KM Bujarbaruah, Former DDG ICAR, New Delhi and former Vice-Chancellor AAU Jorhat.
The programme was chaired by Dr Azeze Seyie, Scientist Horticulture and welcome addressed by Dr H. Kalita, Head of the regional Centre, ICAR Nagaland Centre. The National Conference was attended by 250 scientists, researchers, educators, students and stakeholders. The National Conference on Hill Agro System is a two day programme and will culminate on 30th November 2024.
(IA Medziphema)
