Chandel, 13/08/2025:
A capacity building-cum-input distribution programme entitled “Empowerment of Tribal Farmers under NICRA Project” was organised today at the Community Hall of Chandel Christian Village, Chandel under the “National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA)” Project, KVK Chandel.
The programme commenced with a warm welcome address delivered by Hb. Lungni Anal, SRF (NICRA Project). During the programme, Dr. Kangjam Sonamani Singh, Subject Matter Specialist (Soil & Water Conservation), the Nodal Officer, NICRA Project, Chandel in his keynote address stressed the need and importance of empowering the tribal farmers of the aspirational district of Chandel by working on enhancing resilience of the local agriculture practices to climate change and climate vulnerability though strategic research, development, demonstration and application of improved production and risk management technologies. He stated that in the recent times, rainfall variability has become the norm in the state which is characterised by the unevenness in the time and amount of rainfall. With increasing variability, precipitation is more unevenly distributed over time resulting in wetter wet periods and drier dry periods. Some locations may receive a year’s amount of rainfall in just a few days’ time, have elongated dry spells followed by intense downpour thus alternating between drought-like situations and flood. Climate change is a reality and an increasing trend in temperature, precipitation and emission of greenhouse gases has been observed in the district. The district is also projected to experience more of extreme rainfall and reduction in crop yields. As subsistence level farming is coupled with prevalent shifting cultivation, the small and marginal farmers will be most affected due to climate change. Hence, there is an urgent need for devising climate proof plan and climate ready policy for climate compatible agricultural development in Chandel. He urged that location-specific climate smart technology baskets need to be devised or introduced and should be demonstrated through participatory approach, for ensuring a climate resilient production system, and a climate resilient ecosystem. He highlighted that the interactions between the system’s adaptation strategies and the mitigation potential should also be given due importance in the action plan for combating climate change.
Dr A. Ameeta Devi, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Chandel expressed her desire to see the farmers of Chandel as shining example of perseverance and sincerity in the present situation of changing weather pattern. She assured to provide all means and help possible to make the tribal farmers of the district achieve sustainability and profitability in their farming activities. She pointed out the need for integrated farming mode incorporating livestock enterprises to mitigate crop failure or low farm return in the district. Various resource persons deliberated on wide ranging and useful topics ranging from vermicomposting, beekeeping & improved composite fishery techniques to sustainable crop and goatery production.
Later, input materials in the form of piglets (cross-breed Hampshire), ducklings (White Pekin), feed, medicines, feed supplements, waterers, bee boxes and shade nets (75%) were distributed to the 36 farmers who participated in the said programme. The programme was also attended by Dr. Khumlo Levish, SMS (Agronomy), Ts. Leenda Monsang SMS (Plant Breeding), Ps. Lavid Anal, SMS (Horticulture) & Super Kamei, STO (Farm Management).
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