Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 464/20

WORKSHOP ON INNOVATION AND TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE UNDER CLLMP HELD

A One Day Follow up Workshop on Grassroots Innovation and Traditional Knowledge was organized by Community Led Landscape Management Project (CLLMP) today at DRDA Conference Hall, West Garo Hills, Tura. It may be mentioned that this workshop was organized in order to identify the potential grassroots innovators and traditional knowledge holders based on Natural Resource Management (NRM) for West and South West Garo Hills districts for which line departments, VNRMC, Civil Societies and other Traditional bodies were sensitized earlier to enable the District Innovators Committee to shortlist the eligible Traditional Knowledge Holders and Innovators for providing financial assistance through the project, but was delayed due to the present situation.

During the workshop, the Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills and Chairman District Innovation Committee, Shri Ram Singh said that though people in rural areas may have less theoretical knowledge, yet they are practically very knowledgeable in farming and other allied activities, etc which can be seen from their various livelihood activities in the region. Mentioning about the unique style of living of the Garo people, he said that the region also abounds in wide variety of flora and fauna, organic fruits and vegetables many of which are loaded with vitamins and nutrients adding that extending constant support with knowledge based ideas will not only promote these traditional activities, but it can be preserved and passed on to the future generations. He also urged especially the youths to upgrade their skills and encouraged them to aim high and work hard with dedication for achievement in their respective field of work.

Professor and Head, Horticulture Department, NEHU, Tura Campus, Prof. C P Suresh shared his implementation of conservative agriculture and horticulture model in the NEHU campus including preserving of natural water reservoir, planting fruit trees without disturbing the topography of land surface area while Dr Vidyanisth Marak from Samachik Sikman Traditional Herbal Medicine, Tura spoke of preserving the traditional medicinal herbs available in the region since many are found in less quantity compared to the earlier days.

During the workshop, the Assistant Manager, Knowledge Management, CLLMP, MBDA Silangchi M Sangma explained about the guidelines, types of eligible Innovations based on eco-friendly natural resource management, Innovation Dialogue which provides a platform for shortlisted individuals, groups and organizations to present their ideas and innovations. She also informed that the shortlisted innovators of the region who fulfills the eligibility criteria of the Grassroots Innovation will be financially supported with Grassroots Innovation fund of Rs. 1 lakh to about 5 lakhs.

Further, she mentioned that the CLLMP which is supported by the World Bank aims to strengthen community Led natural Resource Management based on a landscape approach in Meghalaya implemented by Meghalaya Basin Development Agency (MBDA) for a period of five years from 2018 to 2023 which aims to address the growing environmental challenges , degradation, climate change in the region and systematically strengthen communities and related institutions for improved governance and management of natural resources. Functional Manager, District Industries & Commerce Centre, N Freida Marak, Assistant Director, Tourism, Tura Bulbully Marak, Daniel Ingty, Advisor Nokma Council, Tura, District Program Manager, IBDLP, Tura V Valentine, Dimera Marak, Assistant Manager, Environment, CLLMP, MBDA, West Garo Hills, Secretary, Achik Tourism Society, Tura Deepak Marak were among others present at the workshop.