Dimapur: “Memorandum of Agreement” (MoA) for transfer of technology on bio fertilizers and bio pesticide and Development of industry incubation systems was signed between the Central Agriculture University (CAU), Imphal and the Soil and Water Conservation Department, Government of Nagaland today in the office chamber of Agriculture Production Commissioner of Nagaland, Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS, in the presence of K. Libanthung Lotha, IAS, Commissioner and Secretary, Soil and Water Conservation; Nungsangwapang, Additional Secretary, Agriculture; K. Zhekheto Awomi, Director, Soil and Water Conservation and K. Khekiho Shohe, Nagaland Nodal Officer for Soil Health Management who were also the signatories of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA), a DIPR report said.
The Agriculture Production Commissioner, in his introductory remark, mentioned that in Nagaland 70 % of the population living in the rural areas depends on the agriculture and allied activities out of this 73% are engaged in jhum/shifiting cultivation and 27% are engaged in settled farming. He also said that the traditional way of cultivation i.e. jhum is not found to be economically viable and ecologically sustainable. “Therefore, the Government of Nagaland is looking towards sustainable livelihood of our farmers,” he added.
The officer then said that the state government of Nagaland is happy that the Union government has sanctioned 2 BFPU and 10 units under consideration in this financial year. In this regard, the state government is in need of experts for efficient implementation.
According to the report, Dr. S. Basanta Singh, Director of Research, CAU (Imphal), Manipur, in his address, mentioned that the signing of MoA is a historic moment for both the parties as this was the first time an agreement was signed between the Central Agriculture University, Imphal and the Government of Nagaland.
Prof. Dwipendra Thakuria, CAU-CPGSAS, Umiam, who is also the technical expert gave a brief presentation on the three technologies being transferred. They are (a) CAU Bioenhancer (A microbial consortium for Terrace and Valley Lands);
(b) CAU JhumBioenhancer (A microbial consortium for mixed crops of Jhum Fields); and (c) Um-Met: A Liquid bioformulation of a potential indigenous entomopathogens Metarhiziumanisopliae.
Prof. Thakuria also appreciated the state government for taking initiative for setting up of meteorological observatories in all the districts.
He also mentioned that the university has spent a huge amount for development of technologies but since the state government is a non profitorganisation, the university has agreed to share the technologies in a nominal amount of Rs. 1 lakh only per technology.
The DIPR report then said that, the university requested the state government that since the MoA is going to benefit both the parties, if some kind of funding can be provided to the university for creation for facilities such as bio pesticides or bio fertilisers production units for research and development programs if there are any avenues.
It was agreed that the university and the state government of Nagaland will coordinate and cooperate even for other programmes in the future for the benefit of the farmers in the state.
NNN