Dr. S.V. Ngachan, Director ICAR Research complex for NEH Region, Umiam Meghalaya, also the co-chairman of the session, dwelt at length on climate proofing of Agriculture in North East India, focusing on Green House Gas and Global Warming, Impacts of Climate Change on Agriculture and food security. He also cited evidence of climate change and agriculture from NE India and suggested for available options to address climate change including mitigation, adaptation and research initiatives.
Climate change leader Ms Ella Mary spoke on the topic, “Climate change adaptation strategies for agriculture”. Sharing the excerpts of her interaction with the villagers, Ella highlighted on the geographical location and livelihood activities which is basically land-based and said that it reflects the strong attachment of the Nagas with their land. Questioning on how people are adapting to the changing climatic conditions, she pointed out the structural inequalities, depleting resources, the governance system. Ella suggested for strong leadership engaging from top to the civil societies, access to services, mobilization of dynamic market and harnessing of available water and also said that the issue of climate change needs to be gender inclusive.
A farmer from Chendang village, Tuensang district, Mr. Mosa Chang, while sharing his experiences observed that climate change is not only related to agriculture and food. He suggested that experts and resource persons need to study and educate the farmers on the issue of climate change. Citing the prevalence of more diseases in human beings and livestock and drastic drop in crop productivity due to extreme weather conditions, Mosa Chang felt that the Govt needs to do proper research and provide the seeds as per the prevailing climate change, so that farmers sustain their livelihood
The workshop was attended by host of officials both from all the NE regions, farmers and experts from various fields.