“International conference on ‘Pursuit of Sustainable Hill Farming’ begins.”

A two-day international conference on sustainable hill farming began on Thursday at Pragna Bhavan, jointly organized by the Indian Association of Hill Farming and the ICAR North Eastern Region, Tripura Centre. The conference, titled “Pursuit of Sustainable Hill Farming: Innovations for Profitability, Environmental Balance, and Ensuring Future Livelihoods,” was inaugurated by Animesh Debbarma, Minister of Science, Environment & Technology of the state.

MLA Jitendra Majumdar, eminent scientists, and the Head of the Regional Centre of ICAR (RC for NEH Region), among others, were present at the event.

Speaking at the inauguration, Minister Animesh Debbarma said that hybrid crops are not always beneficial for health. Referring to the difference between today’s hybrid papaya and the naturally grown papaya of earlier times, he emphasized that while hybrid methods may increase production, agricultural scientists must also consider the taste and quality of the food produced. He urged scientists to take this as a challenge.

Dr. B. U. Choudhury, Head of the ICAR RC for NEH Region, also addressed the conference and highlighted the significance of holding such an international event.

Notably, this is the first-ever international conference in the state on sustainable hill farming.