The Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) meeting of ICAR-KVK Dimapur and ICAR-KVK Kiphire was convened in hybrid mode at the ICAR Regional Centre, Nagaland. The session was presided over by eminent scientists and officials, including Deputy Commissioner Kiphire, Shri Temsuwati Longkumer, Dr. C.S. Prasad, former ADG (ANP) ICAR- New Delhi, Dr. James Swu, ADC, Medziphema, Dr. Girish Patil S., Director, ICAR-NRC on Mithun, Medziphema, Prof. L. Daiho, Dean, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland university, Medziphema, and Dr. H. Kalita, Head of Regional Station, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema.
        Shri Temsuwati Longkumer, DC, Kiphire highlighted the need for a balanced approach between production and processing, with a focus on apiculture and value addition. Dr. C.S. Prasad highlighted the importance of climate-resilient technologies and interdisciplinary collaboration for rural entrepreneurship. Dr. Girish Patil S. emphasized the role of KVKs in bridging the gap between farmers and scientific research, while Dr. Kalita reiterated KVK’s mandate in promoting sustainable farming practices at the grassroots level.
        Distinguished dignitaries delivered brief addresses during the Scientific Advisory Committee meeting, which was also attended virtually by Dr. B.P. Singh, Head, DTEC; Dr. S. Basanta, ICAR-KVKs Nodal Officer; Dr. A.K. Sinha, Principal Scientist, ATARI, Zone VII; Dr. M. Islam, Principal Scientist & Head, KVK Ri-Bhoi, along with representatives from ICAR-KVKs Barapani.
        The meeting witnessed participation from officials of key line departments, including Agriculture (DAO), Horticulture (DHO), Veterinary & Animal Husbandry (Deputy CVO), Forestry (DFO), Fisheries, Central Institute of Horticulture, and representatives from National Honey Bee Mission alongside 70 attendees, including six progressive farmers from Dimapur and Kiphire.
        Dr. Phool Kumari, Senior Scientist & Head, ICAR-KVK Dimapur, and Dr. Lahar Jyoti Bordoloi, Senior Scientist & Head, ICAR-KVK Kiphire, presented reports on the implementation of recommendations from the previous SAC meeting, achievement of the KVKs, and progress report of the year 2024. Subject Matter Specialists from both KVKs outlined their respective achievements and the proposed action plan for 2025, focusing on key developments and future strategies.
        During the interactive session, officials from various departments emphasized the crucial role of KVKs in addressing farmers' challenges through scientific interventions. They also highlighted the importance of interdepartmental collaboration to foster a more inclusive and integrated approach to agricultural development in the region.