Rapid Appraisal on Farming Systems for Nutrition of Farmers by Using GIS through UAV Data

Abstract

The conventional farming systems of Meghalaya largely aim at food security with a major focus on productivity, profitability, sustainability and stability. Nutrition security therefore has to be addressed by both availability and accessibility of nutrient-rich foods at the household level, which is central to Farming System for Nutrition (FSN). The present scientific inquiry with research objectives of to conduct rapid appraisal on food and nutritional security of farmers by using GIS through UAV data has been performed in the three adopted villages of the research project—DHaBReT at Bhoirymbong C&RD block, Ri-bhoi, Meghalaya. A Descriptive research design and Mixed-method sampling procedure were followed in the study. Fifty four (54) respondents have been identified from three villages, namely (i) Thadnongiaw, (ii) Kdonghulu, and (iii) Liarkhla from Bhoirymbong C&RDB of Ri-bhoi district of Meghalaya. Performance of Rapid Rural Appraisal (RRA) using UAV data could ascertained that about 38% and 73% of arable land had aspect toward North-West (very low sunshine) and situated in a steep location, wherein administration of improved scientific agriculture was a challenge. Therefore, the study recommends that agricultural research institutions and department of agriculture, state government etc. should take prime initiatives in order to incept FSN to farmers of Bhoirymbong, Ri-bhoi, Meghalaya.