Training on Climate Resilient Farming Systems Held at ICAR Umiam

A three-day On-location Training Programme on “Climate Resilient Integrated Farming System and Agroforestry and Agrohorticulture Model” was organised by the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, in collaboration with the Bankers Institute of Rural Development (BIRD), Kolkata, at Dr. D. N. Borthakur Hall of the Institute.
During the inaugural session, Dr. Saroj Kumar Jena, Faculty Member & Course Director, BIRD, Kolkata, spoke about the role of BIRD, an institution of NABARD, in strengthening rural institutions through training and capacity-building programmes. He highlighted BIRD’s work in areas such as rural banking, agricultural finance and rural development, as well as its support to FPOs, NGOs and other organisations in financial management, business planning, governance, market linkages and sustainable enterprise development.
Ms. J. R. Blah, GM/OIC, NABARD, Shillong, highlighted the growing impact of climate change on agriculture and rural livelihoods. She pointed out that the North Eastern region is ecologically fragile and largely dependent on rainfed farming. She stressed the need to increase farm productivity while ensuring that farming remains sustainable, climate-friendly and suited to the region’s rich biodiversity. She also emphasised the importance of multi-income farming systems and combining traditional knowledge with scientific research and modern technologies.
Dr. G. Kadirvel, Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, said that integrated farming is naturally suited to the North Eastern Region, where different farming activities are closely connected. He highlighted Integrated Organic Farming Systems (IOFS) and agroforestry as promising approaches for building resilient farming systems. He informed that the Institute has developed around 60 different farming models suited to the region.
Dr. Kadirvel also stressed that farming needs to be viewed as an enterprise rather than only a livelihood. With rising input costs, farmers need to have a clear understanding of their costs, returns and profitability. He emphasised the need for farming systems that are practical, adaptable, knowledge-based and resilient to changing climatic conditions.
The training programme was attended by 34 participants from FPOs and NGOs working with NABARD across nine states of the country. The sessions covered a range of topics related to climate-resilient agriculture, including Climate Resilient Integrated Farming System (IFS) and Integrated Organic Farming System (IOFS), agroforestry models for climate resilience in North Eastern India, and NABARD’s support for IFS, agroforestry and agrohorticulture.
The programme provided an opportunity for participants to learn about practical and sustainable farming approaches and to explore ways of promoting climate-resilient and economically viable farming enterprises.