Kolasib, 24th June, 2024
        ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Mizoram Centre, Kolasib organized “Sensitization Workshop on Climate Resilient Agricultural Technologies for the Sustainable Farming in NEH Region” under Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) on 24th and 25th June, 2024. The programme was attended by Dr. S.K. Chaudhari, Hon’ble Deputy Director General (NRM), ICAR, New Delhi as Chief Guest, Dr. V.K. Mishra, Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Shri John L.T. Sanga, Deputy Commissioner, Kolasib, Mizoram, Dr. G. Kadirvel, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Zone-VI, Guwahati, Dr. K. K. Baruah, GB member, ICAR and Dr. S. Hazarika, Principal Scientist & Nodal Officer (TSP), ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam as the Guests of Honour respectively.
        The Chief Guest of the function Hon'ble Deputy Director General (NRM) Dr. S.K. Chaudhari appreciated the ICAR Mizoram centre for organizing the workshop and expressed that the ICAR has work throughout the country regarding the climate change. He also mentioned that Climate resilient agriculture is the need of the hour on which research organizations, state functionaries, the policy makers and farming communities has to work together. He highlighted the effect of climate change has also largely effect the ecosystem for which efforts needs to be directed for the development of mechanism to counter the changing climate change. Dr. S.K. Chaudhari also mentioned that development of adaptive strategies and employing community approach is highly important to cope with the changing climate scenario while predicting the vulnerability and risk analysis plays a major role.
        Dr. V.K. Mishra, Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya in his speech mentioned the importance of ICAR Mizoram Centre in improving the livelihood of the farming community. He expressed that climate change has severe effect on agriculture as well as human life and there are several challenges which has to be addressed not only by the agriculture personals but also by the policy makers and politicians. Technologies such as organic farming and natural farming also has huge potentials. Identification and promotion of such technologies is highly important for sustainable farming. He also expressed that financial support is highly critical for mitigation of climate change and hence requested financial institution to come forward toward creating a sustainable farming system.
        Dr. G. Kadirvel, Director, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Zone-VI, Guwahati thanked the ICAR Mizoram Centre for conducting this workshop on climate change and mentioned that Mizoram is highly vulnerable on climate change ranking 2nd among the NE state as per the vulnerability index. He also highlighted the importance of prioritizing climate resilient crops and livestock varieties for sustainable farming while mentioning the importance of community participation approach along with the line departments of the state.
        The Guest of Honour, Shri John L.T. Sanga, Deputy Commissioner, Kolasib in his speech mentioned the geographical importance of the District in terms of economic sustainability, and the visit of the ICAR dignitaries to the state will boost the morale of the people and will really benefit the KVK and ICAR Mizoram Centre as well. He also expressed that he had a great working relation with the ICAR which has given huge improvement among the farmers of the state. Further he stated that the present workshop would largely benefit the farmer on climate change by giving awareness on climate resilient agriculture practice.
        Dr. K.K. Baruah, GB Member, ICAR & Former Head, Division of Animal & Fisheries Science (DAFS) expressed that the workshop on climate change is very important and mentioned that climate change has huge impact on the agricultural activities. Several factors have contributed in climate change including human activities and agricultural activities as well. In these regards, awareness on the impact of climate change on agriculture to the farmers is the need of the hour.
        Dr. S. Hazarika, Principal Scientist & Nodal Officer (Tribal Sub Plan), ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya highlighted the importance of Tribal sub plan which was initiated on 1st 5th year plan and mentioned that farmers from different states of NE states have been trained regularly regarding advance technologies in agriculture and allied sectors. Further, several critical inputs including machines, seed, fertilizers, poultry chicks, fish seeds etc. have been provided to farmers for enhancing the production and several success stories have been reported across the region.
        Dr. Sunil Doley, Head of Regional Centre, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Mizoram Centre, Kolasib welcomed all the dignitaries and guests, and mentioned that the Chief Guest of the programme Dr. S.K. Chaudhari, Hon’ble Deputy Director General (NRM) is the most important person to guide the state functionaries for choosing location specific climate resilient technologies suitable for the region.
        The inaugural function ended with vote of thanks from Dr. Lalhruaipuii, Senior Scientist & Organizing Secretary of the workshop.
        During the inaugural function, several critical inputs were distributed to 60 farmers of the district. One book and a technical bulletin were released by the Chief Guest. Scientists, State officials, and Department of Agriculture and Allied departments participated in the programme.
        The inaugural programme was followed by technical session where eminent speakers from ICAR RC NEH Region, Departments of agriculture, Veterinary & Animal Husbandry, Fisheries, College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry and College of Horticulture, Thenzawl, C.A.U., Mizoram delivered a lecture on various Climate Resilient Technologies suitable for the region. One Farmers’- Scientist interaction along with Awareness programme, and Financial Literacy by officials from NABARD was also organized during the technical session.