The ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region Nagaland Centre and the Indian Association of Hill Farming organized a national conference on “Hill-Agro Ecosystem: Challenges and Opportunities for Achieving Sustainable Development Goals” at the ICAR Nagaland Centre, Jharnapani, Medziphema, on 29th November 2024. The Governor of Nagaland, La. Ganesan, inaugurated the valedictory program of the National Conference as the chief guest.
In his speech, the Governor thanked the organizers and participants for addressing critical issues and supporting the prosperity of hill communities. He emphasized that agriculture, being the backbone of the rural economy and a primary source of livelihood for the majority of the population in Northeast India, remains vital for the region’s rural communities.
The Governor also highlighted how sustainable cropping patterns and resource management practices have evolved over time and been adopted within the diverse hill agro-ecosystem to meet the food and livelihood requirements of the people in the region. He acknowledged the numerous challenges faced by the hill farming sector and stressed the need for region-specific crop varieties, safe use of new technologies, mechanization, and improved infrastructure to support sustainable agricultural growth and its allied sectors. He expressed his encouragement for the conference, which aims to enhance the resilience and productivity of hill agriculture.
The Governor further praised the uniqueness of indigenous crops and farming practices in Nagaland, noting the tremendous potential to develop marketable agricultural products that can benefit local communities and preserve the region’s rich biodiversity.
He extended his best wishes for the success of the event, hoping it would foster growth in hill farming and increase awareness about the sector. The Governor also thanked ICAR for hosting the conference, recognizing its role in advancing innovation in the challenging terrains of Northeast India and in conserving the region’s diverse ecosystem.
The inauguration program included the opening of exhibition stalls, the singing of the National Anthem, and the lighting of the lamp. The Governor also conferred the IAHF award to a scientist and released a souvenir and book of abstracts.
Short speeches were delivered by Dr VK Mishra, Director, ICAR NEH Umiam, Meghalaya; Dr AK Tomar, Director, ICAR-CSWRI, Avikanagar, Rajasthan; Dr RN Chatterjee, Director, ICAR-DPR Hyderabad; Dr KML Pathak, Former DDG, Animal Science, ICAR, New Delhi; Dr P Das, Former DDG, ICAR, New Delhi; Dr Anupam Mishra, Vice Chancellor, CAU Imphal; and Dr KM Bujarbaruah, Former DDG, ICAR, New Delhi, and former Vice-Chancellor, AAU Jorhat.
The program was chaired by Dr Azeze Seyie, Scientist in Horticulture, with a welcome address by Dr H Kalita, Head of the Regional Centre, ICAR Nagaland Centre. The conference was attended by 250 scientists, researchers, educators, students, and stakeholders. The National Conference on Hill Agro Systems is a two-day event and will conclude on 30th November 2024.