Training programs being organised in northeast to encourage 'progressive farming'

Climatic conditions in the northeast region are favourable to grow various new yields like vegetables and fruits. Steps are now being taken to educate the farmers the new yields in order to boost production.

A number of livelihood training programmes are being conducted to improve the condition of the farmers in the region.

The geographical condition of the northeast region is extremely conducive towards the cultivation of a variety of crops. To utilize this, steps are now being taken to educate the farmers in order to boost production.

In collaboration with the Meghalaya Government, Guwahati-based Mushroom Development Foundation recently organized a field workshop titled "Eco-Friendly Integrated Livelihood Mission" at Mawdiang in Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya.

Around 20 village leaders participated in the workshop to share their experiences and problems, and to learn more about farming and marketing their products.

The organization also collaborates with Meghalaya-based groups to help the farmers market their products.

The director of Mushroom Development Foundation, Pranjal Baruah, said the workshop helps the farmers learn ways to make best use of the fertile land and climatic conditions available to them.

"This area is known as the Eden of the northeast where all variety of fruits and vegetables grow. It is very fertile and agro-climatic conditions are also very good. But in spite of it being one of the most fertile places, it is the poorest place of northeast. So, in all these years of our work, whatever we have learnt, we want to impart it to the farmers here," Baruah said.

S. Kharni, a local participating in the program, said that the workshop would benefit the farmers.

"In our place in Ri-Bhoi district, some years back we started planting mushroom. There are some benefits for the farmers in this area. So, through this programme, we hope that it will be very helpful for the people in this area for their development," said Kharni.

There is a huge scope for development of horticulture, floriculture and mushroom cultivation in the northeastern states, which will help the farmers supplement their incomes.

A lot of emphasis is now being given to uplift the condition of the farmers by equipping them with latest farming techniques and marketing skills.

One such initiative was the launching of northeast's first Kisan Call Centre in Agartala.