Tura, Oct 23: A horticulture workshop at North-Eastern Hill University’s (NEHU) Tura campus brought together 145 farmers from Garo Hills to explore scientific farming techniques aimed at improving crop yields, nutritional security and rural livelihoods.
The day-long capacity-building programme, organised by NEHU’s Department of Horticulture in collaboration with the ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru, introduced farmers to improved crop varieties and technologies suited to the region.
Farmers from Gambegre, Dadeng, Dalu and Rongram development blocks participated in the workshop, held at the university’s academic block.
Welcoming the participants, organising secretary C.P. Suresh highlighted the importance of bringing ICAR-IIHR’s horticultural technologies to growers in West Garo Hills. NEHU Tura campus in-charge J.U. Ahmed also stressed the role of academic institutions in supporting rural development and local farming communities.
ICAR-IIHR director T.K. Behera outlined the institute’s farmer-oriented technologies and their potential to improve horticultural production, strengthen nutritional security and generate income. He said the innovations could be adapted to Garo Hills’ farming systems.
The workshop also saw the distribution of planting material of the guava variety ‘Arka Poorna’ and seed kits to participating farmers.
Speaking as guest of honour, Tura SDO Tolino Chisi urged farmers to adopt scientific interventions to improve crop yields and quality, while encouraging rural entrepreneurship.
NEHU Vice-Chancellor S.K. Barik said the university was committed to strengthening rural livelihoods through skill development and technological outreach.
The programme concluded with a farmer-scientist interaction led by ICAR-IIHR principal scientist T. Sakthivel, who shared practical guidance on improved horticultural varieties, pest management and soil health.
Farmers also sought advice from scientists on adopting the technologies and addressing challenges in cultivation.
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