UMIAM : Agriculture and Horticulture Minister Gabriel D Wangsu held extensive deliberations with scientists and officials of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Research Complex for North Eastern Hill (NEH) Region at Umiam in Meghalaya, focusing on technological interventions and institutional collaboration to strengthen agriculture and allied sectors in the state.

Describing the interaction as “highly meaningful,” Wangsu said the discussions centred on addressing key agricultural challenges through scientific innovation, research-based solutions and collaborative initiatives between the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and ICAR institutions.

During the meeting, the state delegation sought scientific and technological solutions to several site-specific issues, including the use of small machinery for land terracing and jhumland reclamation, citrus decline and pollination problems in kiwi cultivation.

The two sides also explored training and capacity-building initiatives under the Catch Them Young Programme of the agriculture and allied departments to promote agri-business and entrepreneurship among youths.

The meeting was attended by the Director of the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, the Director of ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI) Zone VII, senior scientists, researchers and institute officials. Wangsu was accompanied by Agriculture Secretary Samuel Changkija and Agriculture Secretary Koj Rinya.

On the second day of the visit, the Minister toured several research and demonstration facilities on the institute campus, including the All India Coordinated Research Project on Pig, Division of Animal and Fisheries Science, Agro-processing Centre, Engineering Section, Farming System Research Project, Integrated Farming System demonstration units and the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture programme.

During the tour, Wangsu interacted with scientists and technical experts and reviewed modern farming technologies and innovations developed for the North Eastern region. Discussions focused on sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient farming practices, integrated farming systems, livestock development, value addition and technology-driven solutions aimed at improving productivity and enhancing farmers’ livelihoods.