Shillong, Sept 18: One day Himalayan Agroecology Initiative [HAI] Meghalaya State Level Stakeholders Consultation meet was organised on September 17th, 2024 at College of Post Graduate Studies of Agricultural Sciences (CAU-Imphal), Umiam, Meghalaya by Alliance of Biodiversity International and CIAT, New Delhi as organizers.
This gathering provided a platform for various stakeholders, including government officials, experts, researchers, and farmers to discuss and explore strategies for sustainable agricultural development in the region.
The successful conduction of the event was because of the support of various national and international agencies viz. Himalayan Agroecology Initiative (HAI), world Future Council, IFOAM organics International, IFAD and German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).
The meeting commenced with a formal inaugural function, with welcome address by Dr. S. V. Ngachan, Senior Consultant, Meghalaya. The event was graced by distinguished chief guest Dr. Anupam Mishra, Honorable Vice Chancellor Central Agricultural University Imphal, who addressed the gathering highlighted the significance of Himalayas, its challenges and Extension strategies for Himalayan Agroecology in the context of North East India.
This meet was adorned by eminent guests of honor including Dr. Malavika Dadlani, National Consultant, Alliance Bioversity and CIAT,Smt. J. C. Lyngdoh, Director of Agriculture, Govt. of Meghalaya, Smt. D. Shotum, Director of Horticulture, Govt. of Meghalayaand Dr. J. C. Rana, Country Representative, Alliance Bioversity and CIAT, who addressed the gathering in the inaugural session.
Dr. Dhrupad Choudhury, a freelance researcher and Dr. Parul Thapa, Technical Advisor, GIZ-India, also delivered insightful addresses and highlighted the importance of agro-ecology in preserving the region’s biodiversity, ensuring food security, and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
A parallel session involving group discussions was conducted simultaneously, allowing participants to delve into specific topics of interest. The discussions were organized into three groups: Line Department, Scientist of Line Departments, Food Processing, FPO, FPC, and Farmers Group.
These sessions provided opportunities for participants to share their experiences, challenges, and potential solutions related to their respective areas of expertise.
An open discussion and interaction session followed, where participants had the chance to engage in dialogue with experts and discuss the key takeaways from the meeting.
This Meghalaya State Level Stakeholders meet emphasized on the importance of agro-ecology in addressing the challenges faced by the region, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity.
The event also highlighted the importance of collaboration among government agencies, researchers, farmers, and other stakeholders to implement effective agro-ecological practices.
Further, the discussions demonstrated the potential of sustainable agriculture to improve livelihoods, protect the environment, and enhance food security in Meghalaya.In addition, participants identified key challenges and opportunities related to agro-ecological development in the region, providing valuable insights for future actions.
The meeting concluded with concluding remarks by Dr. J. Rana, Country Representative, Alliance Bioversity and CIAT and a formal vote of thanks by Prof. DwipendraThakuria, Dean, CAU-CPGSAS. The event provided a valuable platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and building partnerships towards a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future for Meghalaya.
Overall, the Himalayan Agro Ecology Initiatives Meghalaya Stakeholders Consultative Meeting was a successful event that contributed significantly to advancing the understanding and implementation of agro-ecological practices in the region.
The insights gained from this meeting can inform policy decisions, research initiatives, and farmer training programs to promote sustainable and resilient agriculture in Meghalaya.
