23rd October 2024, Umiam
A 3-day National Conference on Managing Agro-Biodiversity in North Eastern India (NCMAN-2024) was inaugurated today at ICAR-Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam.
The Chief Guest Shri C. H. Vijayashankar, Hon’ble Governor of Meghalaya, emphasized the importance of involving progressive farmers in agricultural initiatives. He expressed concern over youth moving away from farming and highlighted the need for sustainable and profitable farming practices. He also highlighted the region’s potential as a hub for Ayurveda and medicinal plants, urging people to view farming as a viable opportunity. Shri Vijayashankar stressed that biodiversity discussions should include both scientists and policymakers, with research and innovation being crucial for interdisciplinary efforts. He concluded that the conference’s outcomes would contribute to a more resilient and prosperous future and assured that the government would provide the necessary support.
Dr R. S. Paroda, President, ISPGR, highlighted the need for responsible stewardship, noting the significant damage already caused by overexploitation. He urged the need to study, conserve, and evaluate resources before developing a clear action plan.
Dr T. Mohapatra, Chairman, Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers Rights Authority, accentuated that biodiversity is itself very diverse therefore in addition to conservation, promotion, and multiplication, we also need to protect these so that the farmers can have sustainability as well as financial benefits. Institutional support needs to be provided to the farmers when it comes to developing a mechanism of linkage with the markets, he added.
Dr Sanjay Kumar, Chairman, Agricultural Scientist Recruitment Board, emphasized the importance of creating and preserving small field models of key crops. These models would provide farmers, entrepreneurs, students, and visitors the opportunity to study these crops at any time and replicate them as needed. He also spoke about the importance of establishing outlets to sell local products with strong branding across the country to enhance visibility for the area.
Dr K. M. Bujarbaruah, Vice-President NAAS & Former Vice-Chancellor, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, highlighted the necessity of mapping the biodiversity strengths of the region. He added that it is essential not only to conserve biodiversity but also to enhance it to create bio-wealth.
Earlier, Dr V. K. Mishra, Director of ICAR-RC-NEH, Umiam, discussed the institute’s activities and expressed his satisfaction in hosting this important national conference on agro-biodiversity.
During the inaugural session, a series of publications were launched, and awards for excellence in various biodiversity fields were presented. The Hon’ble Governor also inaugurated an exhibition, showing great interest in the diverse products displayed at the various stalls.
The conference attracted scientists, researchers, and students from the entire nation.
(Source: ICAR-Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam)
