Village-Level Sustainable Farming Meet Held at Shingkap Village, Kamjong District

Shingkap, April 19, 2025:

A village-level consultative meet on “Geo-Economic Development through Sustainable Farming” was successfully held on April 16 at the Shingkap Village community hall in Kamjong district. The event, organized jointly by the Tribal Resource Development Centre (TRDC) and Development for Rural People (DRP), saw a massive turnout of local cultivators and farmers.

The program began with an invocation prayer led by Mr. Joy Jajo, Village Secretary of Shingkap. The session involved fruitful deliberations between experts, resource persons, and farmers on sustainable practices, particularly focusing on organic and cash crop cultivation. The region, known for its fertile land and rich natural resources, holds great potential for agricultural development.

Entrepreneur and organic farming advocate Shri Yaruingam Ningshen delivered the keynote address, highlighting the benefits of selective crop cultivation to maximize income. He emphasized the dangers of excessive chemical use in farming, citing studies from the American Cancer Society that link chemically treated crops with serious health and environmental risks. Ningshen urged farmers to transition to organic practices to protect both soil health and human well-being.

Dr. Changmei Shadang, a nutritionist, also spoke about the importance of a balanced diet and the health risks associated with red meat and processed foods. She advocated for increased intake of herbal tea and organic produce to counter lifestyle-related health issues.

Agronomist Mr. Ningreingam Kashung encouraged farmers to adopt intensive farming to attract direct market buyers. The meet also featured training on beekeeping by apiculturist Mr. Athui Panmei, who stressed its income-generating potential for rural communities.

The event concluded with a benediction by Village Chief Mr. Solomon Awungshi, followed by the distribution of high-yielding crop varieties like Moringa and Roselle seeds.