Shillong, Nov 12: For decades, Nongspung A — a remote village along the northern periphery of Ri Bhoi district — has grappled with poor infrastructure and limited livelihood opportunities. Now, a new initiative by ICAR-NEH aims to change that positioning the village as a symbol of rural transformation driven by community participation and institutional support.
In a significant move to promote scientific poultry farming and strengthen rural livelihoods, the ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill (NEH) Region has adopted Nongspung A village in Ri Bhoi district as Northeast India’s first Model Poultry Cluster Village.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on November 11 at the ICAR-NEH headquarters in Umiam between the institute and the Dorbar of Nongspung A village, marking the beginning of a transformative rural development partnership.
Under the initiative, ICAR-NEH will provide scientific training, improved poultry breeds, feed management assistance, vaccination and disease control, and guidance on efficient resource use. The programme seeks to create a sustainable model for income generation and nutritional security, with the potential to be replicated in other rural communities across Meghalaya and the wider Northeast.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Samarendra Hazarika, Director of ICAR-NEH, said the project will integrate modern poultry production systems with local resources and traditional knowledge. “Community participation will be the cornerstone of this initiative. We want Nongspung A to emerge as a model for how rural entrepreneurship can thrive through science-led farming,” he said.
He also urged the villagers to make the most of the opportunity and turn Nongspung A into a role model for rural Meghalaya, reflecting ICAR’s broader mission to strengthen livelihood resilience in the hill and border areas of the region.
Village representatives expressed optimism that the collaboration would open new avenues for employment, particularly for local youth and women, paving the way for greater self-reliance and prosperity.
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