Guwahati: The North East took a significant stride towards sustainable agriculture with the inauguration of the Demo Farm Lab and Training Center.
The initiative, under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for the North East Region (PM-DevINE) scheme, was inaugurated by Dr. Arun Kumar Sarma, Director General of the North East Center for Technology Application and Reach (NECTAR).
The event was a platform for knowledge sharing and interaction between farmers, scientists, and policymakers. A key highlight was the demonstration of the Vasundhara soil testing kit, a cutting-edge technology developed by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. This tool empowers farmers to assess soil health and make informed decisions.
To further enhance the reach of the initiative, Android mobile phones were distributed to Master Trainers from five selected clusters in Karbi Anglong. This digital intervention will facilitate seamless communication and access to valuable agricultural information.
NECTAR, the driving force behind the project, aims to establish 250 organic clusters across the Northeastern states and train 25,000 farmers in organic practices. The Demo Farm Lab serves as a practical training ground, enabling farmers to learn and implement sustainable farming techniques.
The inauguration was attended by distinguished guests, including Dr. A.K. Yadav, Dr. Usha Dixit, and senior officials from NECTAR. The event marked a significant milestone in the journey towards a greener and more prosperous North East.