Shri Ramnath Thakur Emphasizes Strengthened Convergence among State Departments and ICAR Institutes during Shillong Visit

30 April 2026, Meghalaya

Ramnath Thakur, Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, visited Meghalaya to review the progress and impact of Central Sector Schemes (CSS) aimed at agricultural transformation in the state.

During his visit, Shri Thakur addressed the farming community through a video message, highlighting the adverse effects of excessive chemical fertilizer use and advocating for sustainable alternatives such as natural farming, biofertilizers, and vermicomposting for long-term soil and human health. He also emphasized the need to make the North Eastern region self-sufficient in pulses and oilseeds production, alongside enhancing market access to improve farm productivity and farmers’ income.

In the course of the discussions, the Minister underscored the importance of strengthening convergence among ICAR institutes, state departments, and farmer organizations to ensure effective dissemination of improved technologies and maximize the impact of government schemes at the grassroots level.

The meeting was graced by Timothy D. Shira, Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Meghalaya. It was attended by Franklin L. Khobung, Joint Secretary (NRM/RFS/INM), Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India; R. Ninamalai, Secretary (Agriculture), Government of Meghalaya; A.K. Mohanty, Director, ICAR-ATARI, Umiam; and Sandeep Ghatak, Director (Acting), ICAR-RCNEH, Umiam.

Senior officials from the Meghalaya State Department of Agriculture and scientists from ICAR institutions including ICAR-Research Complex for NEH Region, ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (Zone VII), ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources Regional Station, ICAR-CPRS Shillong, and Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) of West Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills actively participated in the meeting.

The interaction featured detailed deliberations on key interventions such as the promotion of improved crop varieties, water-efficient rice cultivation, rice fallow management, adoption of short-duration millets, harnessing horticultural potential, promotion of natural farming and green manuring, and strengthening Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). These initiatives are aimed at accelerating agricultural growth, enhancing farmers’ income, and building resilience in the region’s agriculture.

On the occasion, the Minister released a series of Technology Pocket Books developed by ICAR-RCNEH on topics including green manuring, vermicomposting, and Soil Health Cards. These resources are intended to promote bio-farming practices, improve soil health, sustain hill agriculture, and support farmers’ livelihoods.

The visit marked a significant step towards enhancing institutional coordination, improving implementation efficiency, and ensuring timely and effective delivery of CSS benefits to underserved farming communities in the region.

(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute, Zone VII, Barapani, Umiam, Meghalaya)