A day long workshop on "Scaling up of Agriculture activities in the State" was conducted at the Conference Hall of Agriculture Directorate on 4th June 2020. Technical Officers deliberated on developing Action Plan & Way forward focusing on the production and post production activities.

Delivering the key note address Director of Agriculture, M. Ben Yanthan highlighted on the prominence of Agriculture sector in terms of economy and employment, wherein, it contributed 27.47% to the State's total GSDP during 2018-19 ,provide sustenance to the State's population of which  70 % work force  are women. He thus reminded one and all of the task ahead taking a leaf out of the Department's Vision document - Prosperity through Agriculture & Food for all by 2025' for developing an action plan. Inviting all members for participation and fruitful interaction, he suggested for the convergence of the CSS programmes into a cluster approach by identifying potential area as per crop feasibility. The welcome address was delivered by the chairman of the opening session, C. Peter Yanthan, Addl. Director, short speech by S. Kivikhu Achumi, Addl. Director, closing with a vote of thanks pronounced by B.N. Phom, Joint Director.

The first session had the Joint Directors and Deputy Director's district tour presentation of 21st to 27th May 2020. A first hand report on the operational activities taken up by the farming communities during the pandemic lockdown and field assessment of the districts and agricultural subdivisions in view of the current FAW outbreak and other natural calamities were highlighted.

Power point presentation's on Action Plan for 'Economy of the State Post COVID-19' was presented by Ronchamo Kikon, SMS and on 'Social media in the 21st Century' for awareness by Amongla C. SMS. A brainstorming afternoon session brought forth several innovative suggestions and agenda for scaling up agriculture activities. Hence, a Committee was constituted for working on the Action Plan and recommendation's for way forward.

(DIPR)