Ri Bhoi, Meghalaya (November 12, 2025):
In a significant rural development move, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has officially adopted Nongspung A in Ri Bhoi district, Meghalaya, as Northeast India’s first model poultry-cluster village. The step highlights ICAR’s mission to promote sustainable poultry farming, enhance food security, and strengthen local livelihoods in the hill state.
ICAR Adopts Nongspung A to Strengthen Rural Livelihoods
The initiative was launched by the ICAR–Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, which will serve as the implementing agency. By adopting Nongspung A, ICAR aims to turn the village into a model hub for scientific poultry farming.
The program focuses on improving productivity, creating local jobs, and encouraging young farmers to join the poultry sector. With access to training, modern equipment, and better breeds, residents are expected to benefit from increased income and self-reliance.
Dr. Anup Das, Director of ICAR-NEH, remarked,
“When ICAR adopts Nongspung A, it is more than a project—it’s a transformation blueprint for rural prosperity in Northeast India.”
How ICAR’s Model Poultry Village Will Work
Under the model cluster, ICAR provides improved chicken breeds, bio-secure sheds, and training on scientific rearing practices. Farmers learn efficient feed management, disease control, and waste recycling for organic fertilizer.
These modern methods aim to make local poultry farming climate-resilient and profitable. The project’s emphasis on sustainability ensures minimal environmental impact while improving overall village nutrition.
Importantly, the initiative focuses on women and youth, empowering them with skills and micro-entrepreneurship opportunities.
Boosting Meghalaya’s Food Security
Poultry products in Meghalaya are still imported in large quantities from neighboring states. When ICAR adopts Nongspung A as a poultry-cluster village, it addresses this dependency directly. The project will help meet local demand for eggs and meat through community-level production.
Experts at ICAR estimate that successful implementation can increase the village’s income by up to 50% in the next few years. It will also reduce transportation costs and promote local market growth within Ri Bhoi district.
Community Involvement and Training
A key strength of this project is the strong community participation. Local self-help groups, youth associations, and women’s cooperatives are all part of the initiative.
Training programs are being organized through the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Ri Bhoi, supported by the Meghalaya Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services. Farmers are learning vaccination techniques, record keeping, and financial planning to improve long-term sustainability.
Local farmer Meristina Kharmujai shared her excitement:
“With ICAR adopting Nongspung A, we are getting access to better resources and knowledge. It’s the first time our village feels part of something bigger.”
ICAR Adopts Nongspung A in Line With National Missions
This initiative supports several national goals, including Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) and the National Livestock Mission. Meghalaya’s Livestock Development Policy also aligns with the project, focusing on boosting rural income through poultry and piggery.
By making Nongspung A a model poultry village, ICAR hopes to replicate the approach across other northeastern states like Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh. The long-term goal is to create a network of poultry clusters that can collectively transform the region’s agriculture economy.
Replication Potential Across the Northeast
Once fully functional, the Nongspung A model will serve as a demonstration site for researchers, policymakers, and local entrepreneurs. ICAR plans to evaluate outcomes based on productivity, household income, and adoption of scientific practices.
Collaboration with the North Eastern Council (NEC) and Meghalaya Basin Development Authority (MBDA) could help scale this project region-wide. If successful, the model may become a benchmark for rural poultry development across India.
Future Outlook
The road ahead includes establishing feed supply chains, market linkages, and cold storage facilities to support long-term sustainability. Continuous farmer training, digital monitoring, and regular technical support will determine the project’s success.
For Meghalaya, this is a turning point. The fact that ICAR adopts Nongspung A signals a deeper national commitment to rural progress and innovation in the Northeast.
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