‘Combined forces challenging food rights to citizens

Staff Correspondent

Shillong, January 9: The ability to guarantee food for all citizens is now being challenged by the combined force of climate change, fatigue soil, water contamition, stated Dr. K. M. Bujharbaruah, Vice Chancellor, Assam Agriculture University ( AAU). He was speaking during the 41st foundation day of the Indian council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Umiam on Friday.

Highlighting these challenges, Bujharbaruah emphasized on the needs to find a solution to these challenges. He said, “Formulating and executing answer evolving research should now get priority so that technology led agriculture helps us to sustain and improve our food production”. The agricultural scientist further added that ICAR has made hilly research possible in North east which has resulted in sustaible agriculture.

“The Northeast from being food deficient is now food sufficient and in years to come, the agricultural revolution will take place here,” Bujharbaruah stated, adding, “The hilly terraces of NE are now productive in which agriculture along with livestock production has increased the annual income of the farmers. Soil conservation and water magement technique has made agriculture possible throughout the year”.

Dr. DN Borthakur, Founder Director, ICAR RC NEH & Former VC, AAU Assam while speaking as the Chief Guest, revisited the initial years of hurdles that the research institute encountered. However, he expressed his happiness that the scientists of the institute have devoted years of research to reach such a level where it is now. “The legacy of the institute is to give quality production and create the bench mark for a tryst with agriculture,” Borthakur said.

He further emphasized that the integrated farming system was introduced to increase the level of income of the farmers. The organization dealt with agriculture in holistic manner in which the socio economic sustaibility was the demand of the time.

The Guest of Honour, Dr. Rajesh Chandra  Ministry, stressed on the fact that the role played by the scientist should not be limited only to the area of research it should incorporate the overall development of the farmers. The farmers should also take a step forward by coming and sharing their problems and incorporate the tips given by the scientist. They should enroll themselves in the schemes of the institute. The ICAR institute has made a benchmark for others to venture in this region.