SHILLONG, JULY 28: Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Radha Mohan Singh on Saturday visited ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam and interacted with the farmers from Ri-Bhoi District and Scientists of the Institute.
In his address, Singh said that the research should be focused on “income centric plans” adding that marketing and value addition should be focused and the technology developed should reach the farmers field.
“Efforts should be made to encourage farmers of the region to engage in organic farming,” he said.
The Union Minister also urged all the Scientists to be “change agent” and take their research to farmers’ fields which in turn, would help in increasing their income.
He gave a clarion call to all the Scientists and asked them to be in touch with farmers from adopted villages like their own family members.
He stressed upon diversification of agriculture with allied activities viz., horticulture, dairying, bee keeping, mushroom cultivation etc.
Further, Singh also suggested that doubling of farmers’ income can be achieved through reduction in input cost, value addition and proper marketing of agricultural produce.
He complimented the Institute for doing good works for upliftment of farming community of the region. Integrated farming system models having B: C (benefit cost ratio) more than 2, should be demonstrated and popularized amongst farmers.
He emphasized upon popularization of micro-irrigation for efficient use of water.
Meanwhile, scientists of the Institute pledged to work towards the mission of the Prime Minister to double the farmers’ income by 2022.
By Our Reporter
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