Stakeholders meet on Himalayan agro-ecology initiative held

DIMAPUR — With an aim to chart a roadmap for sustainable agriculture in Nagaland, a regional stakeholders meet on the Himalayan agro-ecology initiative was organised by Alliance Biodiversity International and CIAT, New Delhi, at the Directorate of Agriculture in Kohima on September 19.

Speaking at the inaugural programme, the advisor of Agriculture, Mhathung Yanthan, emphasised on Nagaland’s long-standing practice of sustainable agriculture through jhum cultivation, which relies on maintaining ecological balance. He stressed that with the growing impacts of climate change, it is essential to adopt agro-ecological methods to enhance productivity and resilience.

Yanthan informed that the Government of Nagaland is fully committed to support the initiative in developing a roadmap for a future with productive, sustainable, resilient and equitable food systems.

In his keynote address, the agriculture production commissioner (APC), Wezope Kenye, stated that the consultative meeting came at a crucial time as the government is currently drafting the state agriculture policy. He expressed confidence that the outcomes of the meeting would provide valuable direction in addressing the challenges faced by the agriculture sector in Nagaland.

Dr. JC Rana, country representative for India Biodiversity for Food and Agriculture at Alliance Biodiversity International and CIAT, provided background of the Himalayan agro-ecology initiative.

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K Renphamo Lotha, consultant of HAI Nagaland, delivered the welcome address, while Dr. Malavika Dadlani, national consultant for Alliance Biodiversity International, delivered the vote of thanks.

The technical session featured presentations from representatives of Alliance Biodiversity International, Department of Agriculture and Horticulture and Prof. Sapu Changkija, spoke on biodiversity and natural resource management in Nagaland.

The session was followed with a group discussion.

Participants included officials from Agriculture and allied departments, ICAR, KVK and representatives from FPO and FPC.