Shillong, March 4: A two-day state-level workshop on “Promotion of Climate Resilience and Green Livelihoods in Meghalaya” concluded in Tura on Tuesday, with experts and policymakers highlighting agarwood cultivation and sustainable forest management as key pathways to strengthen rural livelihoods amid growing climate challenges.
Organised by the Meghalaya Forests & Environment Department at Tree House Resort, the workshop brought together senior government officials, subject experts, Divisional Forest Officers, stakeholders and farmers to discuss strategies for climate resilience and green economic activities in the state.
Deliberations focused on promoting sustainable forest-based livelihoods, improving climate adaptation strategies and identifying green economic opportunities across different regions of Meghalaya.
The first day centred on agarwood-based livelihood promotion, with former Lokayukta chairman C.P. Marak (IFS Retd.) describing agarwood as a “green gold” resource with strong livelihood potential.
Marak noted that the Northeast historically traded valuable forest products, such as agarwood, cinnamon, and thatch grass, during the colonial era. While welcoming efforts to expand agar cultivation, he emphasised the need forincreasedr government support and suggested a review of the existing 25,000 kg export quota to ensurethat farmers can benefit from global demand.
Former forest official T.T.C. Marak (IFS Retd.) cautioned that agar cultivation alone would not guarantee profits without proper knowledge of inoculation, processing, certification and marketing.
He called for stronger coordination among growers, scientists and market stakeholders, and proposed the establishment of government facilitation centres and buyback mechanisms to safeguard farmers from market uncertainties.
The second day focused on climate resilience and green economic activities, including division-wise mapping of livelihood opportunities.
A panel discussion on the Draft Forest Policy also took place, with participation from Divisional Forest Officers and other stakeholders, who deliberated on aligning forest governance with sustainable livelihoods and climate adaptation.
Participants noted that as erratic rainfall and ecological pressures increasingly affect rural communities, strengthening forest-based green livelihoods will be critical for Meghalaya’s long-term climate resilience.
Source link
#Experts #highlight #green #gold #agarwood #Meghalaya #climate #resilience #meet
