16th ASAN general conference underway at SASRD Medziphema
Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, SEPTEMBER 3
Agriculture Minister Dr Benjongliba Aier today stressed the necessity to mobilize small businesses through SHGs or cooperative societies so that grassroots institutions can be utilized in the development projects which can emphasize on increasing agricultural productivity with agro-ecological practices.
The minister said this while addressing the inaugural programme of the 16th general conference of the Agricultural Students’ Association of Nagaland (ASAN) which got underway this morning at SASRD-Nagaland University, Medziphema campus. Addressing a host of agricultural scholars and students, Dr. Benjongliba highlighted that climate changes always affect agricultural activities as ‘farmers will face the challenge of dealing with increased pest problems, or new pest challenges, within the constraints of what science can provide.’
He also made a mention towards the impact of global warming on the daily lives of the people of Nagaland which is affecting the lives of the farmers the most as they are still unclear as to why such problems are being faced.
The Minister also noted that due to the deficient and delayed monsoon, the pattern of agriculture in Nagaland has changed where the ‘Jhum’ crops which were earlier sown in the month of May and June have now been delayed by about a month because of the delayed monsoon.
Basing on the theme of the conference ‘Agriculture in the emerging scenario of culture change in Nagaland’, Dr Benjong who graced the programme as the chief guest said “Climate change is one of the biggest environmental threats being faced in the world and the most urgent global challenge today, potentially impacting food production and security, sustained water supply, biodiversity of forests and other nature.”
Concerning the present status of the state, the Agriculture Minister noted that climate change, if not addressed adequately will adversely affect the cultural ecosystem services which will affect thousands of Nagas who are being supported by agricultural activities.
“The State Agriculture department is currently implementing programmes on introducing new crop varieties for increasing productivity. While introducing new varieties, research and development will pay a vital role in the identification of new cultivars resilient to higher temperatures and water stress,” said Dr Benjong. He also appealed to all the ASAN members to support in achieving the objective of food for all by increasing in the agricultural production. He further urged the gathering not to compromise with the quality seeds and planting materials by giving away our supply order by letting some people earn easy money while the poor farmers suffers the loss.
“The state’s vision for the Agriculture and allied sectors is ‘Food for All by 2025’. We aim to achieve this by increased production and productivity in a sustainable manner,” said the minister who is also the Chairman of Nagaland State Agricultural Marketing Board (NSAMB).
“In order to bring awareness among farmers on improved agricultural practices, introduction of new technologies and knowledge on resource utilization and conservation are the need for the hour,” he noted.
During the programme, the chief guest also released a souvenir, while N.S Jamir, Pro-Vice Chancellor NU SASRD exhorted the gathering.
The two-day ASAN general conference will conclude on September 4. The resource speaker for the technical session on day-two is Dr Bidyut C Deka, Joint Director, ICAR, Jharnapani, Medziphema.
