In a significant move toward rural economic development, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Research Complex for North Eastern Hill Region has designated Nongspung A village in Ri Bhoi district as Northeast India's pioneering 'model poultry cluster village.' This groundbreaking initiative aims to strengthen rural livelihoods and promote scientific poultry farming practices across rural Meghalaya.
Historic Partnership for Rural Transformation
The formal agreement was sealed on November 11 through a memorandum of understanding signed at the ICAR-NEH headquarters in Umiam. The signing ceremony brought together institute officials and representatives from the Dorbar of Nongspung A village, marking the beginning of an ambitious collaboration.
Nongspung A, positioned along the northern edges of Ri Bhoi district, represents a community that has historically faced developmental challenges since Meghalaya's formation in 1972. For generations, villagers struggled with inadequate infrastructure and limited livelihood opportunities, but this narrative is now undergoing a dramatic shift.
From Marginalized to Model Village
Under the guidance of an energetic village council and with backing from local institutions and government agencies, Nongspung A has initiated a remarkable journey toward becoming a 'Smart Model Village.' The recent partnership with ICAR-NEH represents a crucial milestone in this transformation process.
An official statement released by ICAR on Wednesday emphasized that "Nongspung A is becoming a symbol of rural transformation in Meghalaya" where community vision converges with institutional support to generate lasting positive change.
Comprehensive Support for Sustainable Farming
The model poultry cluster initiative encompasses multiple components designed to ensure its success. ICAR-NEH will provide village farmers with scientific training programs, improved poultry breeds, feed management assistance, vaccination services, and disease control measures.
According to ICAR, the project seeks to establish a sustainable framework for income generation and nutritional security that can be replicated across other villages throughout Meghalaya. This approach addresses both economic and health aspects of rural development.
During the signing ceremony, Samarendra Hazarika, director of ICAR-NEH, highlighted that the project would integrate modern poultry production systems with local resources and traditional knowledge, ensuring active community participation at every implementation stage.
Hazarika encouraged Nongspung A village representatives to dedicate themselves to making ICAR's initiative a successful prototype for rural Meghalaya, emphasizing the importance of their commitment to the project's objectives.
This village adoption program forms part of ICAR's broader mission to promote rural entrepreneurship and enhance livelihood resilience in the hill and border areas of Northeast India, representing a strategic approach to regional economic development.
