Tawang: Pasighat-based College of Agriculture and the Tawang Krishi Vigyan Kendra jointly organised an interaction programme at Zomkhang Hall on Tuesday to facilitate dialogue among farmers producers organisations (FPOs) and state and central government officials to formulate an action plan to promote agriculture in Arunachal Pradesh.
The inaugural ceremony, graced by Imphal-based Central Agriculture University (CAU) Vice-Chancellor Dr. Anupam Mishra, saw the presence of various dignitaries including Tawang ADC Sang Khandu, ATARI Director Dr. G Kadirvel, CoA Dean Dr. AK Tripathi, CAU DEE Dr. Ph Ranjit Sharma, along with senior scientists from different KVKs, representatives from FPOs, FPCs, SHGs, and farmers.
Dr. Mishra's lecture emphasised the need for capacity building, financial literacy for FPOs, crop identification, and seasonal produce diversity in increasing income, said an official release. "He pushed for the activation of decision support systems to aid effective marketing, as well as the implementation of quality parameters for chemical profiling to improve marketability", it added.
Furthermore, Dr. Mishra recommended farmers to capitalise on their skills, engage in off-season production for increased income, and adopt sustainable farming methods. Khandu echoed Mishra's thoughts, stressed the need for organic farming and encouraged scientists to investigate traditional ways. He also suggested the promotion of local wild fruits and vegetables for consumption, and asked farmers to "dominate the local vegetable market" with indigenous items.
Dr. Tripathi gave a detailed presentation on the border area development program, highlighting CAU's engagement with FPOs in border communities to provide them with scientific farming practices.
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