Northeast Desk, 18th September:The Himalayan Agro Ecology Initiatives Stakeholders Meeting, held at CPGSAS, Umiam, marked a significant step toward advancing sustainable agriculture in Northeast India. The event brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, researchers, farmer organizations, and NGOs, to discuss strategies for promoting agricultural development in the region.
The meeting kicked off with a welcome address by *Dr. S. V. Ngachan, Senior Consultant for Meghalaya. The chief guest, *Dr. Anupam Mishra, Vice Chancellor of Central Agricultural University, Imphal, emphasized the importance of the Himalayan Agroecosystem. His address focused on the challenges and extension strategies necessary for enhancing agro-ecology in Northeast India.
Distinguished guests including *Dr. Malavika Dadlani, National Consultant, **Smt. D. Sohtun, Director of Horticulture for Meghalaya, and *Smt. J. C. Lyngdoh, Director of Agriculture, also contributed valuable insights. Dr. Dadlani highlighted the crucial role of agro-ecology in preserving biodiversity, ensuring food security, and supporting sustainable livelihoods.
The technical session, chaired by Dr. J.C. Rana and co-chaired by *Dr. Malavika Dadlani, featured presentations from experts on various aspects of agro-ecology. Topics covered included biodiversity conservation, natural farming practices, and climate change adaptation. Notable speakers included **Dr. Dhrupad Choudhury, **Dr. Parul Thapa, and *Prof. Dwipendra Thakuria.
Dr. Dadlani discussed organic farming, regenerative practices, and the role of state biodiversity boards. Dr. Choudhury addressed agricultural systems, food security, and the fragility of Himalayan landscapes. Dr. Thapa focused on indigenous knowledge and agro-ecological transformation, while Dr. Thakuria explored carbon farming, organic certification, and institutional overlaps.
Parallel group discussions allowed participants to explore specific topics such as line departments, food processing, and farmer groups. These sessions provided a platform for sharing experiences and solutions.
The meeting concluded with open discussions led by Dr. Chaudhury, Dr. Thapa, and Prof. Thakuria, fostering a collaborative environment. Dr. Jai C. Rana offered closing remarks, and Dr. Thakuria delivered a vote of thanks. The event proved to be a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and fostering partnerships aimed at advancing sustainable agriculture in Meghalaya.