Shivraj Singh Chouhan Highlights Meghalaya's Agricultural Riches
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Shillong, Jan 9 (NationPress) Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan stated on Thursday that Meghalaya is a remarkable source of agricultural abundance, with the hill state poised for significant advancements in this domain.
During his participation in an expo that kicked off today at the ICAR Research Complex located in Umiam, he commended the capabilities of Meghalaya and the Northeast to establish themselves as a center for fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants.
“Meghalaya is a remarkable source of agricultural abundance. The assortment of chillies, pineapples, ginger, turmeric, bananas, and even orchids is exceptional. The Northeast has the potential to surpass other regions in agriculture and horticulture,” he noted.
He underscored the necessity for developing crop varieties that boast longer shelf lives, enhancing logistics, and fortifying the lab-to-land approach.
“ICAR should prioritize extending the shelf life of crops and ensuring they reach consumers in optimal condition. The transition of scientific advancements from the lab to the field must be expedited to directly benefit farmers. We must harness natural farming, innovative technologies, and the unique potential of crops like bamboo, honey, and mushrooms to uplift rural livelihoods,” he added.
The Union Minister also praised the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and promised ongoing support for the state. He reiterated the significance of collaborative efforts among ICAR, agricultural universities, and government departments to forge a sustainable agricultural growth strategy for the region.
Chouhan highlighted that Meghalaya's biodiversity represents a treasure for the region and mentioned the need for a roadmap to be developed diligently.
There is a pressing requirement for improved coordination among ICAR institutes, agricultural universities, KVKs, and state departments. The region’s diverse agro-climatic zones necessitate a collective effort from multiple departments, especially concerning the establishment of a logistic hub, processing, value addition, and product pricing.
Governor C.H. Vijayashankar remarked that India is fundamentally an agrarian nation, with agriculture being central to the people and the economy. He asserted that ICAR is leading the charge in agricultural research and development in the country, contributing significantly to crop variety development, livestock breeds, and Integrated Farming Systems (IFS), which have proven advantageous for the farming community.
The region is abundant in specialty crops such as ginger and turmeric and serves as a center for medicinal plants, Ayurveda, and various agricultural products, he added.
In the meantime, CM Sangma underscored the pivotal role that ICAR has played in reshaping the agricultural landscape of the Northeast.
“Since its establishment, ICAR has developed over 100 crop varieties, introduced high-yielding livestock breeds, and advocated for sustainable practices like integrated and organic farming. These initiatives have not only fortified food security but have also conserved biodiversity and empowered farmers with advanced technologies. The global acknowledgment of ICAR’s integrated organic farming models highlights its leadership in sustainable agriculture and rural development,” he stated.
