Meghalaya-based ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region today received the Sardar Patel Outstanding ICAR Institution Award for its commendable contribution to agricultural research, extension and educational development of the North Eastern hill region.
The award, conferred by President Pranab Mukharjee, was received by its director Dr S V Ngachan at the ICAR foundation day ceremony at the National Agricultural Science Complex auditorium in Delhi.
During last five years, the institute has focused on strategic programmes on farming systems research and developed location specific farming system models for rural empowerment and livelihood improvement in the region.
The major thrust of institute is on conservation agriculture for various land-uses, acid soil management and agro-forestry systems for sustainable hill agriculture.
Fourteen varieties of crops suitable for the varying agro-climatic situations of the region were released.
The dreaded porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, which caused havoc in many countries, was first reported in India by scientists at the institute.
The artificial insemination technology for pigs, developed and refined by the institute, contributed immensely in improving the local germ-plasm in the most cost effective way.
With nearly 100 scientists in 18 disciplines at the headquarters and its six regional stations, the institute generated 42 technologies, 5 patents and many services for the region.
The institute collected quite a significant number of germ-plasm lines of rice and one collection from Nagaland was included in the Guinness Book of world record.
Extending access to knowledge, quality seed and excellent plant and animal health-care to 96,000 farmers has been another significant contribution to the region.
The institute has produced peer reviewed publications of par excellence and bagged many national awards and international recognitions.
