Farmers and Scientists Convene for Kisan Mela and Kisan Goshti on Organic Farming at Tawang
27th November 2024, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh: The ICAR-National Rice Research Institute (NRRI), Cuttack organized a Kisan Mela and Kisan Goshti at the Kalawangpo Convention Hall in Tawang under its NEH program. The major focus of the program was aimed to promote sustainable and organic farming practices among farmers in the region. The venue became a hub of agricultural activity as farmers, experts and officials gathered for the Kisan Mela and Kisan Gosthi. The event was coordinated by Regional Rainfed Lowland Rice Research Station of NRRI, Gerua, Assam, in collaboration with the District Agriculture Office, Tawang.
Shri Kanki Darang, Deputy Commissioner of Tawang was the Chief Guest and Dr Amaresh Kumar Nayak, Director of ICAR-NRRI, Cuttack presided over the program. The program officially commenced with the ICAR Song, symbolizing unity and commitment to agricultural progress.
The program was attended by around 300 farmers and farmwomen from far flung villages of Tawang during which farmers were provided with agricultural inputs such as seeds of maize, sorghum, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, garden tool kits, and a Leaf Colour Chart to aid their farming endeavors.
Various agencies including departments of agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry and veterinary, Arunachal State Rural Livelihood Mission, Krishi Vigyan Kendra-Tawang, DRL-DRDO showcased their products and technologies through an exhibition during the program, which was well appreciated by the visitors and farmers alike.
While speaking to the gathering on the occasion, the chief guest Shri Kanki Darang, Deputy Commissioner, Tawang appreciated the ICAR-NRRI and urging farmers to embrace innovative organic farming techniques to improve productivity and sustainability. He also gave message to the policy makers and researchers to continue the handholding for furthering the developmental activities for the sustainability of the organic farming in the area.
In his keynote speech, the director of NRRI, Dr. A.K. Nayak emphasized the need to promote the organic farming while strengthening the livelihood opportunities of the farmers of NEH region, especially from Tawang. The efforts of the ICAR and government of India in this direction was also explained. Dr. Nayak reiterated the commitment of ICAR-NRRI to promote the farming activities and bridging the gaps in the value chain.
The most fruitful part of the program was the Farmer-Scientist Interaction Session, where farmers voiced their concerns and received guidance from experts like Dr. A.K. Nayak, Dr. M.J. Baig, Dr. GAK Kumar, Dr. L.K. Baishya, Dr. A.K. Balenga, Dr. Dipjyoti Baruah and district agricultural officials. This interactive session fostered a deeper understanding of organic farming challenges and solutions.
The district officials Shri Toli Bam, District Agriculture Officer, Tawang and Shri Sofiur Rahman, District Horticulture Officer, Tawang addressed the gathering, reiterating their departments’ commitment to supporting farmers and improving their livelihoods.
Dr. Lohit Kumar Baishya, Campus Incharge, ICAR-IARI, Assam addressed the gathering and ensure full support will be provided to the farmers of this region to adapt latest scientific skill to uplift their income through organic agriculture.
The team of scientists and officials from NRRI Dr. GAK Kumar, Head, Social Science Division, Dr. MJ Baig, Head, Plant Physiology and Biochemistry Division, Dr Kanchan Saikia, Incharge Gerua Centre, Shri V. Ganesh Kumar, Senior Administrative Officer, Shri Rishi Kant Singh, Sr. Finance and Accounts Officer and other officials, participated in the program.
Dr. Kanchan Saikia, In-charge Head of RRLRRS, ICAR-NRRI, Gerua, Assam, concluded the program with a heartfelt vote of thanks to all the stakeholders, with special mention to Shri K.B. Kayastha, Entomologist, Department of Agriculture, Tawang who has been instrumental in making the program a grand success with the support from Dy. Commissioiner, Tawang.
The Kisan Mela was a resounding success, bringing together diverse stakeholders to empower farmers with knowledge and resources to promote organic farming practices in the region.
As a follow up of the program, a joint meeting of NRRI and State Agricultural department including KVK, Tawang was held at Circuit House. In the meeting chaired by Director, ICAR-NRRI, Cuttack it was decided that a joint action plan will be developed in collaboration with state line departments and NRRI to provide critical inputs and support capacity building programs under NEH program. A Team has been formed including the state officials and NRRI to identify the farmers groups and beneficiaries who require critical inputs. The major areas identified are Vegetables, Millets, Rice and Maize farming.
The program has marked a positive beginning in the direction of making the organic farming of the Tawang district of the Arunachal Pradesh a flagship sustainable model under NEH program.
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