Tura: A regional workshop on “Empowering Farm Families of NER through Export-Oriented Agriculture: Strategies for Sustainable Development” was successfully conducted at the College of Community Science, All Agricultural University (Imphal), Tura, Meghalaya on Thursday.
The event was organized by the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on women in agriculture.
The workshop began with the registration of farmers and participants, followed by the inauguration, prayer, and lighting of the lamp by dignitaries.
Dr. Jyoti V. Vastrad, Dean of CCS, Tura, delivered the welcome address as the chief guest.
Special invitees included Dr. Binodini Sethi, Professor (ABM), CPGS-AS, CAU, Umiam, and Dr. Namita Singh, Professor and Unit Coordinator of AICRP-WIA, CCS, Tura.
A key highlight of the event was the felicitation of dignitaries and Padma Shri awardee farmer Nanadro B. Marak from West Garo Hills, who was honoured for his contributions to agriculture.
Dipin, Senior Consultant at Agri PMU, Government of Meghalaya, shared his experiences in motivating and establishing farmers as successful entrepreneurs in the state.
The sessions covered various aspects of export-oriented agriculture, including best practices, good agricultural practices (GAPs), post-harvest management, and packaging, with insights from Dr. M.P. Nayak, Professor at the Department of Agricultural Extension, OUT, Odisha.
Discussions also addressed challenges and opportunities in unlocking the export potential of the Northeast Region (NER).
The contribution of AICRP in empowering farm women through technological interventions and entrepreneurship development was highlighted by Dr. Namita Singh.
Several experts, including Dr. Hussain (KVK, CAU-I, East Garo Hills) and Dr. A. Haribhusan (KVK, CAU-I, South Garo Hills), chaired sessions on strategies for supporting women farmers in the export sector.
Additional discussions included analyzing daily activity profiles of farm women, capacity-building initiatives, and training programs for livelihood enhancement, presented by experts such as Dr. Bijaya Laxmi Sahu, Dr. Puspita Das, Dr. Kavita Bisht, and Dr. Anupama Mishra from AICRP.
The event concluded with a session chaired by Dr. Jyoti V. Vastrad.
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The workshop provided a platform for agricultural experts, policymakers, and farmers to exchange knowledge and strategies for sustainable agricultural development and women’s empowerment in the Northeast region.
