Representatives share ideas to achieve sustainable growth

DIMAPUR — Representatives from the government, private sector, academia, and progressive farmers have deliberated and shared insights on strategies and ideas to achieve sustainable economic development in the Northeast region of India.

Representatives shared their ideas during the Northeast sustainability conclave on productivity and green growth held at ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun, Medziphema, on Thursday. The event was jointly organised by National Productivity Council (NPC), DPIIT, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, government of India, and ICAR-NRC on Mithun.

Delivering the keynote address, NPC director general and chief guest, Sundeep Kumar Nayak, stated that NPC is spearheading green growth movement in the country by providing technical assistance to state governments and organisations for adoption of green growth. He has stressed to need to have a net zero state action plan for Nagaland that includes mitigation and adoption measures aiming at reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and implementation of carbon neutral activities.

He has further emphasised the role of private sector in achieving sustainability and significance of green finance to support environmentally sustainable projects or business practices, stated an update from ICAR-NRC on Mithun.

In his opening remarks, the deputy director general (Animal Science) of ICAR, New Delhi, Dr. BN Tripathi, has underlined the need to address the issue of climate change and added that people around the world has set a goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2070.

Dr. Tripathi also stated that organic and natural farming practices are gaining popularity in Nagaland as a means of promoting sustainable agriculture and preserving the environment.

Also speaking at the programme, the national president of Sahakar Bharati, Dr. DN Thakur, has emphasised on proper food storage for its availability during the lean season. Pointing out that about 40% of food is wasted before reaching the consumers, he has suggested formulating measures to mitigate food waste.

He also urged the farmers to focus more on the use of biogas to reduce the use of fossil fuels. Also emphasizing on the significance of cooperative movement for achieving green and inclusive growth, Dr Thakur urged the people of Nagaland to take advantage of cooperative strength.

Dr. KM Bujarbaruah, former DDG (Animal Science) and former vice chancellor of AAU, Jorhat, delivered a lecture on crop and livestock-based natural farming with special reference to Northeast India, while Dr. S Venugopal, director of National Institute of Technology, Nagaland, highlighted the importance of green manufacturing in Northeast India and Dr. Nazrul Haque, principal scientist, delivered lecture on organic agriculture in Northeast India.

Dr. Girish Patil S, director of ICAR-NRCM, welcomed all the dignitaries and highlighted the role of Mithun in natural farming.

KD Bhardwaj, director of Environment and Climate Change, NPC;  Dr. TK Datta, director of ICAR-CIRB, Hisar, Haryana; deans and professors from SASARD, Medziphema; Veterinary College, Jalukie; Patkai Christian College, Chümoukedima; SET, Dimapur; and students participated in the event.

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