On September 3, 2024, the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region proudly launched the Farmers’ FIRST Programme (FFP) conducted by the Division of Technology Assessment and Capacity Building (DTAC) at Mawsiatkhnam village, located in the East Khasi Hills within the Mawlai Block. This event marked a significant milestone as it was the first time such a program was introduced to the village. In addition to the FFP launch, a Custom Hiring Centre was inaugurated to support local farmers with modern agricultural machinery and technologies.
        The ceremony was honored by the presence of the Honorable MLA of Mawlai constituency, Brightstarwell Marbaniang, who served as the chief guest. He performed the ribbon-cutting for the Custom Hiring Centre, underscoring its importance in supporting local agricultural practices.
        Dr. N. Uttam Singh, Senior Scientist at the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region and the Principal Investigator of the FFP, led the program. Dr. Singh detailed the objectives of the project, which aims to provide farmers with state-of-the-art resources, innovative tools, and essential support to improve productivity and sustainability through advanced farming systems. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance agricultural practices in the region, promoting more efficient and sustainable farming techniques.
        The event also featured key insights from other notable experts. Dr. Heiplanmi Rymbai, Senior Scientist at the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, highlighted the crucial role of horticultural crops in the local economy and their market potential. Shri. Shanmebansan Marbaniang, SMS-Extension from KVK East Khasi Hills, elaborated on the benefits of the Custom Hiring Centre, explaining how it would enable farmers to access new technologies and farm mechanization on a rental basis, thereby reducing initial costs and increasing productivity.
        Dr. Gojendro Singh, Scientist at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, also attended, contributing to the discussions on agricultural innovation, Mr.Mayanglambam Bishonath Singh (SRF-FFP),Mr.Wanbiang Dkhar (Project Assistant-NMSHE)were also present. Local officials present included Shri.T. Shemphang Wallang, Village Headman, and Shri. K. Wallamkupar Lyngrah, Village Secretary, who played a crucial role in coordinating the event and engaging with the community.
        In his address, the Honorable MLA commended ICAR's initiative, expressing his enthusiasm for the program and its potential benefits for the village. He emphasized the need for similar initiatives to be extended to other farming communities in the region. He urged local farmers to make judicious use of available resources, embrace new farming technologies, and leverage the support offered by the FFP to enhance their agricultural output and improve their overall livelihoods.
        The launch event was met with enthusiasm from the local community, who expressed their appreciation for the new opportunities and resources being made available to them. The event was followed by inputs distribution, were vegetable seeds, Jalkund silpauline sheets are being distributed to the farmers. Farm Machineries were also handed to the newly inaugurated custom Hiring Cetre.The Custom Hiring Centre, in particular, was seen as a valuable addition that would provide immediate practical benefits to the farmers by making advanced agricultural machinery and technology more accessible.
        Overall, the successful launch of the Farmers’ FIRST Programme at Mawsiatkhnam village represents a significant step forward in supporting sustainable agricultural development in the East Khasi Hills, setting a precedent for similar initiatives in other rural areas.