The National Conference on Managing Agro-Biodiversity in North Eastern India (NCMAN-2024) held at ICAR-Research Complex for North Eastern Hill (NEH) Region, Umiam, charted a collaborative path for sustainable management of the region’s rich biodiversity. Scientists, policymakers, and students from across the nation gathered to identify strategies that leverage North Eastern India’s unique bio-resources, promoting resilience and profitability in farming while enhancing biodiversity conservation and market integration.
In his keynote address, Meghalaya Governor C. H. Vijayashankar emphasized the urgent need for sustainable farming practices, particularly in light of declining youth engagement in agriculture. He urged policymakers and stakeholders to work closely with progressive farmers to redefine agriculture as a viable and sustainable career path. Recognizing North Eastern India’s biodiversity potential, Vijayashankar highlighted opportunities for the region to become a leader in Ayurveda and medicinal plant cultivation, leveraging its rich natural resources.
Governor Vijayashankar further stressed the importance of coordinated scientific research and policy support to protect agro-biodiversity and strengthen rural resilience. “Collaborative efforts from scientists and policymakers are essential for effectively managing biodiversity,” he stated, expressing optimism that the conference would establish actionable steps toward a resilient agricultural sector. He assured government support to facilitate these initiatives.
Dr. R. S. Paroda, President of the Indian Society of Plant Genetic Resources (ISPGR), highlighted the urgency of responsible resource management, noting that overexploitation has placed critical pressure on biodiversity. He called for proactive conservation measures to safeguard these resources, underscoring that responsible management is key to future agricultural plans.
Dr. T. Mohapatra, Chairman of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority, advocated for the conservation, promotion, and scaling of biodiversity resources through effective market mechanisms. Connecting farmers with markets, he argued, is essential for achieving financial stability and sustainability within the farming community.
Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Chairman of the Agricultural Scientist Recruitment Board,, emphasized the importance of small-scale crop demonstration fields as practical educational resources for farmers, students, and entrepreneurs. He proposed the development of nationwide outlets for local products, backed by strong branding, to elevate North Eastern produce on a national level.
Dr. K. M. Bujarbaruah, Vice-President of the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences (NAAS), discussed the need to map and maximize the region’s biodiversity assets. He highlighted how conserving and expanding these assets—“bio-wealth”—could drive regional economic growth.
Dr. V. K. Mishra, Director of ICAR-RC-NEH, Umiam, welcomed participants, noting the research complex’s recent initiatives and emphasizing the conference’s role in addressing North Eastern India’s specific agro-biodiversity challenges.
The inaugural session included the release of several publications and award presentations honoring achievements in biodiversity conservation. The Governor also opened an exhibition of locally produced agricultural products, showcasing the rich biodiversity and cultural heritage of the region.
With attendees from diverse fields nationwide, NCMAN-2024 aimed to pave the way for unified efforts that will make North Eastern India a model of sustainable agro-biodiversity management, promoting conservation, economic growth, and farmer resilience.