Knowledge Exchange Programme on Agro Biodiversity And Natural Farming Held in Sonai

A knowledge exchange programme on agro biodiversity conservation and natural farming was organised at Sundari Part II in Sonai on Friday (April 3), bringing together farmers and stakeholders from across the region to discuss sustainable agricultural practices.

The programme was organised by NEADS in collaboration with the Barak Ecosystem and Water Governance Resource Centre (BEWGRC), Singerbond, with support from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). It was hosted by Tareng Agriculture Services Group, a women farmers’ collective, along with Loumi Lup Assam.

Around 60 participants, including farmers from Katigora, Chirirpar Part I, Singerband I, II, III and V, as well as Kaptanpur IV, attended the event.

Swapan Ashangbam, Convenor of BEWGRC, emphasised the urgent need for the promotion and protection of agro biodiversity in the face of climate change. He said that the promotion of agro biodiversity, agroforestry, integrated and natural farming, along with ecosystem restoration, would help build a climate-resilient community.

Sanalembi Devi, President of Tareng Agriculture Services Group, highlighted the initiatives undertaken by the collective in seed saving and integrated natural farming. She stressed the importance of collective efforts among farmers in Barak Valley to sustain farm-based livelihoods through seed conservation and integrated practices.

The programme concluded with remarks from Subhankar Singha, Chairman of BEWGRC, who urged participants to join hands in eco-restoration and agro biodiversity conservation initiatives to secure the future.