Shillong/IBNS: The Basin Development Unit in East Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya in a bid to boost agricultural productivity and profitability, has teamed up with the Agriculture Department to provide training to nine local farmers.

The cultivators were sent to Siliguri in West Bengal to learn about the Hydroponic system of farming, an advanced technique that promises to increase yields in a shorter timeframe, reported The Shillong Times.

Among the nine farmers who completed the training were Iahphang Dkhar and Morning Suchiang, both renowned strawberry farmers in the district and across the state and country.

The others included Jamris Langstang, Erick Dkhar, Robin Siangshai, Samuel Latam, Jimris Langstang, and Dibait Dkhar, all of whom are known for their expertise in growing oranges.

The group was accompanied by officials including Raja Brahma, MCS, the Extra Assistant Commissioner cum Nodal Officer for EJHD, Hun Ioo Blah, the District Project Manager for Basin East Jaintia Hills District, Programme Associate for Basin, and Smt. Bamerishisha Rymbai, the District Horticulture Officer for East Jaintia Hills District.

This initiative aims to equip local farmers with new skills and innovations to enhance agricultural production in the region.