16 May 2026, Meghalaya
Shri Sniawbhalang Dhar, Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya, inaugurated the Administrative Building of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Jaintia Hills, and the Stakeholders’ Workshop of NICRA-TDC at the KVK campus in Wahiajer today. The event marked a significant step towards strengthening agricultural development, technology dissemination, and farmers’ empowerment in the region.
While inaugurating the Administrative Building, the Deputy Chief Minister envisioned KVK, Jaintia Hills, as a hub for agricultural innovation, information, and knowledge dissemination, particularly for skill development of rural youth and promotion of modern agricultural technologies among the farming community of Jaintia Hills.
In his inaugural address, Shri Sniawbhalang Dhar underscored the transformative role of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jaintia Hills, in empowering farmers through scientific farming practices, technical guidance, capacity building, and access to region-specific innovative technologies aimed at improving livelihoods. He highlighted several government initiatives supporting the farming community, including the CM Elevate Programme, Seed Farm Schemes, and Farm Mechanisation subsidies, which provide financial assistance, subsidised equipment, and capacity-building opportunities for rural farmers across the state.
Emphasising the importance of continuous learning and skill development, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that the training programmes conducted by KVKs play a crucial role in enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring sustainable livelihoods. He further stressed that farming should be regarded as a profession and encouraged farmers to work closely with KVKs for adopting improved organic farming practices to promote sustainable agriculture, improve soil health, and protect the environment.
The inaugural session commenced with a welcome address by Smti. M. Dkhar, Director, Agriculture (R&T), Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of Meghalaya, who welcomed the dignitaries, scientists, officials from various line departments, and farmers participating in the programme. She appreciated the enthusiastic participation of the farming community and highlighted the significant role of KVKs in strengthening the agricultural sector.
The opening address was delivered by Shri S. Rani, Director, Agriculture, Department of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Government of Meghalaya. In his address, he emphasized the need to strengthen agricultural extension services and promote scientific and climate-resilient farming practices for improving farmers’ livelihoods and ensuring sustainable agricultural development in the state.
Dr. G. Pratibha, Principal Scientist and Principal Investigator (NICRA), ICAR–Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture, Hyderabad, highlighted the importance of climate-resilient technologies in addressing the challenges posed by climate change. She noted that such innovations are essential for ensuring food security and sustaining the livelihoods of small and marginal farmers, especially in climate-vulnerable regions.
Dr. A.K. Mohanty, Director, ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Zone VII, Umiam, underscored the critical role of KVKs in bridging the gap between research institutions and farming communities through location-specific, market-led, and demand-driven technology transfer, capacity building, and field-level interventions. He emphasized the importance of synergizing national initiatives such as NICRA, PMDDKY, and other developmental programmes aimed at improving farmers’ livelihoods.
Dr. Mohanty also informed that a Rural Agri Business Incubation Centre has been established at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jaintia Hills, to support farmers in value addition, entrepreneurship development, and promotion and marketing of agricultural products.
The programme also featured the release of official publications, unveiling of the inaugural tablet, distribution of agricultural inputs to farmers, inauguration of exhibition stalls, and opening of the Custom Hiring Centre (CHC).
During the event, Smti. Blossom Nongrum was felicitated as the Best NICRA Farmer in recognition of her innovative farming practices and valuable contribution towards climate-resilient agriculture.
A technical session on “Enhancing Food Security and Livelihood of Small and Marginal Farmers through Climate-Smart Agriculture Practices” was also conducted, focusing on sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural interventions for improving productivity, food security, and livelihoods of small and marginal farmers.
The NICRA activities undertaken by KVK, Jaintia Hills, were presented by Smti. B. Kharbamon, Subject Matter Specialist (Horticulture), KVK Jaintia Hills. The session was followed by a Farmer–Scientist Interaction Programme, where farmers discussed field-level challenges and received technical guidance on improved and sustainable farming practices.
Later, a field visit was conducted to NICRA-adopted villages in the district to review the implementation of climate-resilient agricultural interventions at the grassroots level.
(Source: ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute Zone VII, Umiam, Meghalaya)
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