What's Happening?
A three-day Training and Capacity Building programme for Bio-input Resource Centre (BRC) Entrepreneurs was held in Kohima, Nagaland, from February 3 to 5. Organized by the Regional Centre for Organic & Natural Farming (RCONF), Imphal, in collaboration
with the Department of Agriculture, Nagaland, the event aimed to enhance the entrepreneurial skills of BRC entrepreneurs. The focus was on natural farming practices, value addition, and sustainable agri-based enterprises. Rosemary Ezung, Joint Director of Agriculture, chaired the inaugural session, emphasizing the empowerment of grassroots institutions to improve sustainable agriculture and farmers' incomes. Dr. V Y Deoghare, Regional Director (I/c), RCONF, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the importance of natural farming for climate resilience, soil health, and market-led growth. Medovilie Ladu, Additional Director of Agriculture, Nagaland, encouraged participants to apply their learnings to develop viable agri-entrepreneurial ventures. Participants also visited New Terogunyu village in Tseminyu district for hands-on training in natural farming.
Why It's Important?
The training programme is significant as it aims to strengthen the capacities of BRC entrepreneurs, which is crucial for promoting sustainable agriculture practices in Nagaland. By focusing on natural farming, the initiative supports climate resilience and soil health, which are vital for long-term agricultural sustainability. The emphasis on market-led growth and value addition can potentially increase farmers' incomes and contribute to the economic development of the region. Empowering grassroots institutions through such training can lead to more robust local agri-enterprises, fostering community development and self-reliance. This aligns with broader goals of sustainable development and environmental conservation, which are increasingly important in the face of global climate challenges.
What's Next?
Following the training, participants are expected to implement the knowledge gained to develop sustainable agri-entrepreneurial ventures. The Department of Agriculture, Nagaland, may continue to support these entrepreneurs through additional training and resources. The success of this initiative could lead to more such programmes, further strengthening the agricultural sector in Nagaland. Stakeholders, including local government and agricultural organizations, might monitor the progress of these ventures to assess the impact of the training on local economies and sustainable farming practices.
Beyond the Headlines
The training programme not only aims to boost economic growth but also addresses environmental concerns by promoting natural farming practices. This approach can lead to healthier ecosystems and reduced reliance on chemical inputs, benefiting both the environment and human health. The focus on empowering grassroots institutions reflects a shift towards community-centric development, which can enhance social cohesion and resilience. As these entrepreneurs apply their learnings, they may inspire others in the community to adopt sustainable practices, creating a ripple effect that could transform the agricultural landscape in Nagaland.
