Source: The Sangai Express / S Singlianmang Guite
Lamka, May 03:
With the project of Delhi Paite Inn-dongta (DPI) coming to the fore, experts from varied fields of farming will, beginning May 6 advice a group of people here on the prospect of farming in the hill terrains of Churachandpur.
A seminar on 'stable land based farming in the hill areas' will be held for two consecutive days at Rayburn College under the sponsorship of DoNER.
Union Commerce secretary GK Pillai, eight members from the national Spices Board, five from the Tea Board, three from the Coffee Board, two from Agriculture Product Export Development Agency, and two from National Horticulture Mission will present papers on the various aspect and viability of farming with the group.
All the boards and missions will be headed by their respective chairman or director, organizer of the seminar cum workshop, Zomi Economic Planning and Development Agency (ZEPADA) said today.
Top ranking officials from directorate of horticulture, govt of Mizoram, representative from Zopar Exports Mizoram, Ginfed � Diphu and Exotic Fruits � Mao are also expected at the workshop, which will be a logical continuation of the subject matters presented during the seminar.
The rare opportunity where prospective farmers of Churachandpur can directly interact with most renowned and experienced officials at the central and state level is a product the people and its civil societies yearn for an alternative form of livelihood, other than jhum.
Organisers said, creation of awareness leading to the farming communities adopting alternative sustainable, viable land-based livelihood with long term objectives is the purpose of the seminar.
Participation was only by invitation, as the organizers said they were constrained by limited space; however they nevertheless expect the best as the priority was awarded to farmers from the interiors.
The seminar initially slated for Monday but postponed for a day was a well planned affair.
Most of the boards have dispatched their representatives here and they will already be equipped with soil samples when they present their papers and suggestions.
As the papers that will be presented during the seminar were prepared by experts and the most efficient officials, it is likely that the seminar will set a foundation for future aspect of local farmers.