Training on Integrated Farming System Held for Tribal Farmers in Dima Hasao
Hills Live News,
Haflong, September 9: A two-day training programme on “Integrated Farming System for Sustainable Livelihood of Tribal Farmers” was organised by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Dima Hasao, in collaboration with ICAR–Research Complex for Eastern Region (ICAR-RCER), Patna, Bihar, under the NEH Component on September 8 and 9.
As many as 50 tribal farmers from different parts of Dima Hasao participated in the programme, which focused on promoting diversified, resource-efficient and sustainable farming practices suited to the district’s hill ecosystem.
The programme was conducted under the guidance of Dr. N. Bhakta and Dr. Ardhendu Chakraborty, Course Directors, with Dr. Kamal Sarma and Dr. Shankar H. Gogoi serving as Course Coordinators.
The inaugural session highlighted the importance of Integrated Farming System (IFS) in farm diversification, efficient utilisation and recycling of resources, improving productivity, generating additional income and strengthening livelihood security among farming communities.
Technical sessions were conducted by Dr. Kamal Sarma, Dr. Narayan Bhakta, Dr. Shankar H. Gogoi, Shri Baosring Nunisa, Dr. N. M. Singh, Mrs. Darshana Chetia and Mrs. Rashmita Saikia. The sessions covered crop-livestock integration, sustainable resource management, farm diversification, value addition, entrepreneurship and economic planning.
A Farmer-Scientist Interaction Session was also held, providing the participants an opportunity to discuss field-level problems and seek technical guidance from experts.
Dr. K. Sarma stressed the importance of IFS in improving farm productivity and strengthening livelihood security. Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Principal Scientist, ICAR-ATARI Zone VI, who attended the programme as Guest of Honour, appreciated the initiative for promoting sustainable and diversified farming among tribal communities.
The Chief Guest, Donpainon Thaosen, Executive Member of the Dima Hasao Autonomous Council, appreciated the initiative and emphasised the need to create sustainable livelihood opportunities for farming communities in the district.
As part of the programme, agricultural inputs including chicks, poultry feed, planting materials and farm tools were distributed among all 50 participating farmers to encourage them to adopt improved and integrated farming practices.