Hareswar Bora, Nagaon: As a part of its vision to promote sustainable natural farming in rural areas, NABARD Assam RO has launched the unique project called JIVA in Barbeel tribal cluster in Kathiatoli Development Block of Nagaon district. The programme was inaugurated on Thursday last by the Chief General Manager of NABARD Loken Das in presence of Dr P C Bhuyan, the Dean of College of Fisheries, Raha; Dr Deepak Chamola of GIZ-India; AGM-NABARD Bhama Deuri; DDM-NABARD Rajendar Perna; the Dairy Development Officer Intiyaz Talukdar; Akshata Jagannath of Selco Foundation; ADO-Nilutpal Dutta, SDFDO; Lidza Morang, Jyotish Talukdar and entire Team of Kalong Kapili etc. The inauguration marks a significant step by NABARD towards promoting sustainable agriculture and restoring the natural ecosystem of the region. Speaking on the occasion, CGM-NABARD Loken Das suggested that in the context of growing challenges posed by changing climate, it is opportune time to promote natural farming practices. He highlighted that the ‘J’ of JIVA stands for the Jameen (Land), the Jal (Water) & the Janwar (Animals) and suggested leveraging the existing social and natural capital of the region for the success of the Project. He also raised concern about the excessive usage of harmful fertilizers, highlighting their adverse effects on soil health, water quality, long-term sustainability and human health. DDM-NABARD, Rajendar Perna informed the participants that being an Apex Development Organisation, NABARD has been formulating and supporting various projects for sustainable development of rural areas and the agriculture and allied sectors, since its inception. He highlighted that ‘JIVA’ in Sanskrit means ‘a living being or entity imbued with life force’ and shared that under this program, in addition to the integrated Aquaculture-Livestock nutrition Gardens-Horticulture systems, one Bio-Input Resource Centre and Indigenous Seed Banks would also be established in the Borbeel TRIBES cluster. Dr Deepak Chamola of GIZ-India suggested that the JIVA project would build-up a balanced relationship among the farmers, the natural resources and the consumers of the farm produce. He stressed on the need to promote local circular economy by judiciously utilising the existing landscape and resources. He suggested that a Center of Excellence on Natural Farming should be evolved with the ultimate goal of empowering farmers as local scientists. The Dean of College of Fisheries, Raha Dr P C Bhuyan suggested that the JIVA project should entail harmonious balance between Jeevan (Life Force), Innovations, Value Addition and Agriculture. He urged that the project should also include fisheries as a vital component to strengthen the livelihoods of rural communities and promote integrated natural farming systems. Expressing his gratitude to NABARD for sanctioning the project, Jyotish Talukdar, the Director of Kalong Kapili underscored that along with the integrated aquaculture, innovative combinations of Cereals, Pulses, Oil Seeds & Vegetables will be undertaken in the fields of each of the identified 40 champion farmers. He opined that this project will give a new direction to the farmers of Assam in adopting agroecology based natural farming concepts. The inauguration event witnessed an enthusiastic participation of over 150 stakeholders, including farmers, community leaders and government officials, stated in an official press note here.
0 Comments