Agriculture can be a productive occupation, says Lyngdoh

FROM A REPORTER

SHILLONG, Feb 2: Soil and Water Conservation Minister Ronnie V Lyngdoh, during a launch of the Facilitating Agricultural Regeneration Measures (FARM) Northeast phase-II, at Moreau Institute of Integral Training (MIIT) Dhankheti, Shillong said that agriculture can be a remunerative, lucrative and productive occupation.

Delivering his key note address as Chief Guest, the Minister said, “Some people take up agriculture as they do not have option. Farmers in the North East are the most margilized section of society as they can barely make ends meet,” he said.

“Since 70 per cent of the people depend on agriculture for livelihood, we need to make this occupation lucrative,” he added.

Lyngdoh spoke on the constraints of agriculture with regard to marketing of products as it is facing a problem due to many factors. Turning towards the use of chemicals in agriculture which is a cause of cancer, he advocated the concept of organic farming in the state which according to him needs to be encouraged in the state. He further observed that crops which are resilient to climate change need to be planted in the state.

He assured Caritas India of assistance from the state government in its attempt to help farmers of the country.

Meanwhile, James Sangma expressed concern of the introduction of GM seeds, hybrid seeds, non indigenous species which may lead to cross pollition

“We should preserve agricultural seeds endemic to our culture,” he said.