ICAR adopts Nongspung A as first ‘model poultry cluster village’ in NE

Shillong: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Research Complex for North Eastern Hill (NEH) Region has adopted Nongspung A village in Ri Bhoi district as northeast’s first ‘model poultry cluster village’ in a step towards strengthening rural livelihoods and promoting scientific poultry farming in rural Meghalaya.An MoU to this effect was signed on Nov 11 at the ICAR-NEH headquarters at Umiam between the institute and Dorbar of Nongspung A village.Nestled along the northern periphery of Ri Bhoi district of Meghalaya, Nongspung A is a small village that had long remained on the margins of development since the creation of the state in 1972. For decades, the community struggled with lack of basic infrastructure and source of livelihood.However, the narrative is now changing. The village community, led by an active village council and supported by local institutions and govt agencies, has embarked on an ambitious journey to transform Nongspung A into a ‘Smart Model Village’.“With new partnerships like the adoption of the village by ICAR-NEH as Northeast India’s first Model Poultry Cluster Village, Nongspung A is becoming a symbol of rural transformation in Meghalaya — where community vision meets institutional support to create lasting change,” an ICAR statement said on Wednesday.

“Under the initiative, ICAR-NEH will provide scientific training, improved poultry breeds, feed management support, vaccination and disease control measures to farmers in the village. The project aims to create a sustainable model for income generation and nutritional security, which can be replicated across other villages in Meghalaya,” the ICAR said.Speaking at the signing ceremony, Samarendra Hazarika, director of ICAR-NEH said the project will integrate modern poultry production systems with local resources and traditional knowledge, ensuring community participation at every stage.Hazarika also asked the representatives of Nongspung A village to work hard to ensure that ICAR’s initiative is turned into a successful role model for rural Meghalaya.“The initiative is part of ICAR’s broader mission to promote rural entrepreneurship and enhance livelihood resilience in the hill and border areas of Northeast India,” the ICAR said.