In a pivotal initiative aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and fostering farmer engagement, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Manipur Centre, organized a Farmer–Scientist Interaction Programme at its Lamphelpat campus. The event, held at the ICAR Research Complex for the Northeast Hill Region, sought to facilitate knowledge exchange between farmers and agricultural specialists on diverse farming practices, specifically in piggery, fishery, poultry, and horticulture.
The programme was attended by prominent figures, including Tongbram Robindro Singh, MLA of Thanga Assembly Constituency, who served as the Chief Guest, along with Dr. Jogendra Singh, Principal Scientist at ICAR-IIWBR; Dr. Satish Kumar, Senior Scientist; and Dr. S. Basanta Singh, Head of the Regional Centre, who were present as Guest of Honour and President respectively.
In his address, MLA Singh emphasized the crucial role of farmers in achieving food security, stressing that every meal is a product of their unwavering efforts. He highlighted the necessity of collective support for the farming community and called for a thorough understanding and prioritization of the challenges faced by farmers. Relating his personal experience as a farmer, he expressed his deep understanding of the adversities encountered by cultivators and encouraged them to adopt scientific methodologies, promising his continual support for the advancement of the agricultural sector.
The interaction programme provided a valuable platform for farmers to engage directly with scientists, acquiring practical insights and exploring sustainable strategies to boost both productivity and livelihoods. The event culminated in a fruitful exchange of ideas, promoting the broader implementation of integrated farming systems throughout the region.
