Transforming Future: Union Min’s Inspiring Roadmap for Thriving Sustainable Agriculture in State

SHILLONG, Jan 9: During ICAR’s golden jubilee celebrations in Umiam, Ri-Bhoi, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, emphasized the necessity of stronger collaboration among ICAR, agricultural universities, and the Meghalaya government. His aim is to devise a sustainable agricultural growth roadmap for the region. A significant focus was on overcoming logistical challenges that spoil perishable food items during transit. Chouhan pledged support for Meghalaya’s proposal to set up a logistics hub in Guwahati to improve the transport of such goods to other states and countries.

Chouhan extolled Meghalaya’s rich agricultural potential, pointing out that the Northeast, with proper guidance, could become a significant hub for fruits, vegetables, and ornamental plants, including chillies, pineapples, ginger, turmeric, bananas, and orchids. He advocated for developing crop varieties with extended shelf lives and enhanced logistics, highlighting the need for stronger synergy between scientific research and its practical application via the lab-to-land approach.

Promoting natural farming and innovative technologies, Chouhan emphasized the lucrative potential of bamboo, honey, and mushrooms in boosting rural livelihoods. He called for quarterly coordination meetings among key stakeholders to address challenges and formulate long-term plans for agricultural prosperity over the next 50 years.

Echoing the significance of this agenda, President Droupadi Murmu commended ICAR on its half-century of excellence in crop development and climate-resilient technology, which have considerably bolstered food and livelihood security in the region. She noted a noteworthy rise in food grain and horticultural production over the last decade and stressed the role of agri-based enterprises in drawing youth to agriculture.

Governor CH Vijayashankar, in his address, affirmed agriculture’s centrality in India’s economy, praising ICAR’s leadership in agricultural research and development, particularly in pioneering crop varieties, livestock breeds, and integrated farming systems, thus significantly benefiting regional farmers.

Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2025/01/10/union-min-suggests-roadmap-for-sustainable-agri-growth-in-state/
Category : MEGHALAYA
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Publish Date: 2025-01-10 04:06:00