Assam Rifles to organize Farmers Fair in Longding

A CORRESPONDENT

ITANAGAR: The Longding Battalion of Assam Rifles organized a maiden tour of 10 shortlisted farmers from remote villages of the Wancho region to the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Umiam in conjunction with the Wancho Farmers' Welfare Association (WFWA) to generate awareness among the farmers to migrate from subsistence to commercial agriculture.

During the two-day visit to the Agricultural Research Centre, the farmers were exposed to terrace farming, organic farming, medium scale piggery and poultry farming, animal husbandry and livestock management, apiculture (beekeeping practices) and latest trends and technologies in agricultural farming.

Earlier, in order to understand the concerns of farmers and contribute to their capacity building, the battalion consulted WFWA, an agriculture-based NGO, Senior Scientist and Head of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Dr Kiran Kumar Singh and local MLA Gabriel D Wangsu, who has an expertise in farming practices.

Hence, it has been decided by the Battalion to organize a Farmers Mela in Longding very shortly to ensure that majority of farmers residing in remote villages of Longding district benefit from the experiences of the nucleus of farmers who visited ICAR, Umiam from May 17 to May 19.

The Assam Rifles Battalion based in the district has infused vibrancy in the land of Wanchos. Earlier, the Battalion supported and encouraged the Wancho Cultural Society to revive the indigenous sports and culture. Indeed, the Assam Rifles has lived up to to the sobriquet 'Friends of the Hill People'.

The Wanchos inhabiting the Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh have been following the age-old method of Jhum cultivation practiced by their ancestors, which is unproductive and detrimental to the environment. It has been felt that the Wanchos rely heavily on subsistence agriculture and lack awareness about latest trends and technologies in farming.

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