Agricultural development can transform NE scenario : Sangma

Umiam, Meghalaya, Jun 18 (UNI) Chairman of Meghalaya Planning Board P A Sangma today said agriculture and its allied sectors can transform the scenario in the North Eastern Region to a large extent.

'' Agriculture and tourism industry can transform the scenario in the North Eastern region to a large extent, which can help generate employment opportunities in the region,'' Mr Sangma,the former Lok Sabha Speaker said.

Mr Sangma was addressing the inaugural function of the two-day conference on ''Agricultural development in NEH Region: Opportunities and Challenges'' at the Indian Council Agriculture Research Centre here.

The Planning Board Chairman also urged the ICAR to do research on the food habits of the NE tribals, development of medicinal plants and technology transfer to help the farmers.

He also called for rapid skill development in the agricultural sector and increase in diary production due to its heavy demand in the region.

Dr K M Bujarbaruah, Deputy Director General (Animal Science), ICAR, New Delhi, said the ICAR has drawn up a Vision Document 2020 to develop agriculture in the region with ICAR playing a nodal role.

He called for setting up of a Market Intelligence Network to develop suitable crops and added that a Central Agricultural University would be set up in Meghalaya.

Earlier, ICAR Director in-charge North Eastern Region Research Complex Dr S V Ngacham said that agriculture would play a major role in the economy of the NE region in the next 20 years.

He called for ushering in a holistic and integrated approach to agriculture growth and introduction of rainwater harvesting in the region.

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