Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ram Nath Thakur, visited ICAR-KVK, Longleng on February 19, and reviewed the ongoing agricultural development programmes aimed at improving livelihood security for farmers in the district.
During his interaction with Senior Scientists, extension personnel and famers, the Minister emphasized the need to modernize traditional jhum cultivation through scientifically validated, location-specific technologies. He highlighted that shifting cultivation must gradually transition towards low-input, resource- efficient, and climate-resilient farming systems without compromising indigenous knowledge. The Minister reviewed demonstrations on low-input responsive crop varieties, suitable for hill agriculture, which ensure stable yields under rainfed and marginal conditions. He appreciated efforts to promote water harvesting structures, including Jal kund and small-scale rainwater storage systems, as critical interventions to address moisture stress and erratic rain fall in Longleng.
Special emphasis was laid on the development and dissemination of location-specific technologies tailored to the unique agro-ecological conditions of the district. The Minister stressed that technologies must adapt to farming needs of the people. The visit also highlighted initiatives on value addition, processing, and post-harvest management of agricultural and horticultural produce to reduce losses and enhance farmers’ income. He encouraged strengthening of entrepreneurship development among women farmers, particularly through processing, seed production, and allied Agri-enterprises, to create sustainable self- employment opportunities.
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Conservation of local germplasm and indigenous crop diversity was identified as a strategic priority. The Minister underscored the importance of protecting farmers’ rights, conserving traditional varieties, and ensuring benefit-sharing mechanisms for local communities. While interacting with farmers, he reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to farmer-centric extension, scientific support, and inclusive agricultural growth in remote and tribal regions. He called for stronger convergence between research, extension, and line departments to accelerate adoption of proven technologies.
The visit concluded with a tour of the KVK experimental and demonstration units, where the Minister expressed satisfaction over the role of ICAR-KVK Longleng in strengthening sustainable agriculture and improving rural livelihoods in the district.
The Minister also visited the on-going development projects in the district Hq. Longleng including NECTAR Project at Bautung Government Higher Secondary School and District Hospital Longleng, where the Minister was not satisfied with the work progress of the district hospital Longleng.
The Union Minister was accompanied by MLA Longleng, A. Pongshi Phom, Deputy Commissioner Longleng, W. Manpai Phom NCS, Senior Officials from various department and civil society organisations.
