Workshop on blended learning platforms, integrated farming system training begins
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 19 2024: A three-days training programme on "Integrated farming system approach in NEH Region of India" kicked off today at Directorate of Extension Education (DEE), Central Agricultural University (CAU)-NEC Model Farm in Lamphelpat.

The training programme was jointly organised by DEE, CAU, Imphal and ICAR, Agriculture Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Zone-VII, Umaim, Meghalaya.

The inaugural function was attended by Dr S Basanta Singh, Director of Instruction, CAU Imphal; Prof Ph Ranjit Sharma, Director of Extension Education, CAU Imphal; Prof Th Ronbindro Singh, Deputy Director, Extension Education, CAU Imphal; Dr T Matouleibi Chanu, Deputy Director, Extension Education, CAU Imphal; and Dipak Nath, Deputy Director, DEE, CAU Imphal as presidium members.

Workshop on blended learning platforms, integrated farming system training begins

Addressing the gathering, Dr S Basanta said that the Government of India has taken up two major programmes for the farmers called the Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) and Natural Farming.

He continued that the success of the two major programmes depend on the implementation of Integrated Farming System (IFS) which is a mix of farm enterprises such as crop, livestock, aquaculture, poultry, sericulture & agro-forestry to achieve economic and sustained agricultural production through efficient utilization of resources, crops, and other systems that benefit each other.

He also asserted that IFS is a solution to the continuous increase of demand for food production, providing stability to the income and nutritional security particularly for the small and marginal farmers with limited resources.

The Director also encouraged the farming community to take up Natural Farming as it provides a room for income generation through multiple sources like animal husbandry and horticulture with lesser input cost.

"Natural Farming is a holistic farming system designed to optimize the productivity and fitness of diverse communities within the agro-ecosystem, including the soil organisms, plants, livestock and people", he added.

Meanwhile, a two-day workshop on "Blended learning platforms" organised by CAU, Imphal in association with NAHEP and NARES commenced today at the College of Agriculture (CoA), CAU Iroisemba, Imphal.

The inaugural programme was attended by Prof Indira Sarangthem, Dean, CoA; Dr Sudeep, HoD (CA), ICAR-IASRI (online); Tarun Khurana, technical expert BLP; and Prof Lokesh Kumar Mishra as presidium members, said a release.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sudeep highlighted the need to implement BLP in all universities to raise the standard of teaching and learning process.

Prof Indira Sarangthem mentioned that BPL has the potential to revolutionise agricultural education in India as it offers a strong educational framework that ensures uninterrupted learning.

She encouraged all the participants to take a keen interest in the workshop and use the platform to its full potential to develop a more inclusive education system.

Altogether, 20 faculties from different constitutional colleges of CAU and 10 students of the CoA are taking part in the workshop.

A short video on Resilient Agricultural Education System was also presented during the inaugural session.