Lapang launches NAIP project to develop agri in backward areas

Umiam, Aug 6 (UNI) Meghalaya Chief Minister D D Lapang today launched the National Agricultural Innovation Project (NAIP) to be implemented in North Eastern states, including Sikkim.

Financed by the World bank, NAIP would primarily support the agricultural research and development system as a business venture for rural poor.

The project entitled 'Livelihood Improvement and Empowerment of Rural Poor through Sustainable Farming System in N-E India' shall be implemented in consortia mode in the seven most backward districts of NE hill region for a period of 5 years, starting from 2007-08.

Launching the project at ICAR complex here, Mr Lapang said the ultimate goal of the project was to enhance productivity, profitability, employment opportunity, knowledge empowerment and to ensure growth with equity in the disadvantageous districts of NE hill region having fragile ecology and poor rural masses.

He hoped the NAIP will help to usher in a Green Revolution in the NE Region and improve the conditions of the rural farmers for whom horticulture is a major source of income and activity.

The project called 'Livelihood Improvement and Empowerment of Rural Poor through Sustainable Farming Systems in North East India', will be implemented in seven disadvantaged districts of NE region, namely South Garo Hills in Meghalaya, Tamenglong in Manipur, Mon in Nagaland, Upper Subansiri in Arunachal Pradesh, Dhalai in Tripura, Saiha in Mizoram and North Sikkim.

Dr. Mruthyunjaya, Director, ICAR-NAIP, New Delhi in his speech said the NAIP seeks to boost agricultural growth by adopting suitable technological interventions and addressing the farmers' distress.

Former Vice Chancellor Assam Agriculture University and Chairman, of NAIP-CAC, Dr. D.N. Borthakur called for an integrated farming system in the NE by adopting viable system of technology and of watershed cultivation, so as to meet the needs of farmers and to take steps to check the degradation of natural resources.

Others who spoke on the occasion were Dr. S.N. Puri, VC, CAU, Manipur and Dr. K.M. Bujarbaruah, DDG (Animal Science), ICAR, New Delhi, while Dr. S.V. Ngachan, Director, ICAR, Umiam, gave the welcome address.

UNI