A major initiative has been launched to promote scientific organic farming across Northeast India under the PM-DevINE scheme.

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• Scientific organic agriculture is set to expand significantly across Northeast India through a project titled “Promoting Scientific Organic Agriculture in Northeast India.” 
• The initiative is spearheaded by the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach, an autonomous body under the Department of Science and Technology.
• The project operates under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for the North East Region implemented by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.

Key Objectives of the Initiative

• Promote scientific organic farming practices while preserving traditional agricultural knowledge.
• Create 250 organic-certified farming clusters across Northeast India.
• Train farmers and improve soil health, crop productivity and rural livelihoods.

Major Components of the Project

1. Capacity Building

• Development of 250 master trainers from six Northeastern states:
  • Assam – 88, Meghalaya – 57, Arunachal Pradesh – 15, Mizoram – 20, Nagaland – 20, Tripura – 50.
  • Each trainer will guide 100 farmers, covering about 100 acres of farmland per cluster.

2. Soil Testing Innovation

• Farmers are provided with VASUNDHARA soil testing kits developed with support from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre.
• These kits measure Soil Organic Carbon and soil pH within 10 minutes, helping farmers maintain soil fertility.

3. Digital Agriculture

• Installation of Internet of Things devices to monitor soil, climate and environmental conditions.
• A Management Information System platform allows continuous monitoring of farming activities

Impact and Expected Outcomes

• Training of 25,000 farmers in scientific organic agriculture.
• Conversion of 25,000 acres of land into certified organic farmland.
• Improved sustainable agriculture, market connectivity and farmer income.

The pilot project has already installed IoT devices in lemon and banana clusters in Chirang district of Assam, promoting smart agriculture practices.

Statement-Based MCQ

Which of the following statements regarding the scientific organic agriculture initiative in Northeast India is correct?

(a) It is implemented by the North East Centre for Technology Application and Reach.

(b) It operates under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region scheme.

(c) It aims to create organic-certified farming clusters in the region.

(d) All of the above.

Answer: (d)

Exam Hook: 

The Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region scheme primarily aims to:

(a) Promote infrastructure and development in Northeast India
(b) Promote nuclear energy in India
(c) Promote urban smart cities
(d) Promote space technology

One line wrap: The expansion of scientific organic agriculture could transform Northeast India into a major hub for sustainable farming and organic produce.

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