C.M. Paul
Guwahati – A Non Government Organization in north-eastern India working for the Integral development through empowerment of people by enabling them to build People’s Organizations and enhancing their capacities to utilize their resources optimally believes that systematic agriculture can lead to people’s prosperity.
“Systematic Agriculture can lead to people’s prosperity,” says Director of the NGO Bosco Reach Out (BRO) Fr Jaya Prakash.
The quote was also the theme of the two days training programme he conducted at BRO Agri-Training Centre, Joropara, Meghalaya, 4 to 5 May 2017.
The ‘Agrarian Prosperity Training Programme’ gave an impetus to some 100 members of Self Help Groups (SHG) from Garo Hills Districts of Meghalaya who attended the training.
Agriculture Expert, Ms. Minku Das gave an overview of the Agro-Composite Training Centre and dwelt on the topics such as all season vegetables, polyhouse farming, kitchen garden, and vermicompost practices.
While BRO Programme Officer, Mr. Romendro Rabha spoke on SHG Management towards better credit linkage, BRO Associate Director Fr. J. Teron dwelt on indigenous medicinal herbs, bee keeping, and livestock management.
The training sessions consisted of theory in-puts as well as on-site field demonstration giving the participants hands on training and opportunity to clarify their doubts and draw up lines of action for SHGs in their respective villages.
Deputy Commissioner of North Garo Hills District Mr. Sibhi Chakravarthy Sadhu, IAS graced the concluding session of the programme and addressed the participants.
Quoting the words of former Prime Minister Pandit Nehru who said “Agriculture is the backbone of our economy,” Mr Sadhu highlighted the importance of agriculture and community organization for building of a progressive nation.
Before giving away the certificates of participation Mr Sadhu appreciated BRO’s efforts and dedication in community development sector.
Mr Sadhu also distributed planting material and livestock as an encouragement to a few SHGs selected through the BRO grading process.
Bosco Reach Out established in 1983 is the social outreach wing of the Don Bosco Society Guwahati. The NGO is committed to the integral and holistic development of the human person and rooted in the Salesian charisma within the Church and in the society.
In recognition of their work in uplifting the poor, Meghalaya Government awarded Bosco Reach Out with the ‘Meghalaya Day Award’ in 2008 – the highest civilian award of the state.