A total of 25 farmers including 20 marginal families from Tuensang district, two from Chumoukedima and three from Phek district were trained on “Pig-Based Integrated Organic Farming System” at the ICAR Research Complex in Medziphema on November 27.
The training was organised by ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, in collaboration with the ICAR Regional Centre for North Eastern Hill (NEH) Region, Medziphema, under the NEH programme.
The training focused on empowering rural families with the skills to integrate livestock, particularly pig farming, into organic agricultural practices to enhance income generation and foster sustainable livelihoods.
The session was conducted under the leadership of Arun Tomar, director of ICAR-Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, with key dignitaries in attendance, including Dr. R.S. Godara, NEH Nodal Officer; I.B. Kumar, CAO; Rajkumar, CFAO; H. Kalita, joint director of ICAR RC for NEH, Nagaland Centre; and Dr. Mahak Singh, local coordinator and scientist at ICAR RC for NEH.
Delivering keynote address, Arun Tomar emphasized the importance of integrating livestock farming with agriculture to uplift marginalized communities.
He stressed that such initiatives could not only increase household incomes but also contribute to greater self-sufficiency in rural areas.
He therefore encouraged participants to share the knowledge gained from the training with others in their communities, fostering a cycle of support and growth. He also assured continuous support to those committed to creating sustainable farming models based on the training.
Each participating family received four piglets, 75 kg of pig feed, and feed supplements. The Better Life Foundation assisted in transporting the piglets and feed to the farmers.
The training was part of ICAR’s broader initiative to promote sustainable agricultural practices and rural development across Northeast India.