Introduction

An eConsortium, or electronic consortium, is a digital version of this collaboration, where the participating entities interact, share resources, and work together through online platforms or websites. These platforms often host shared databases, tools, publications, and other resources that members can access remotely. In the context of the "ICAR-IHR Consortium," this likely refers to a collaborative effort focused on research, development, and implementation of agricultural and environmental strategies in the Indian Himalayan Region, possibly involving multiple research institutions, government agencies, and other stakeholders under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR). If there’s a specific website for this consortium, it would typically serve as the online hub where participants can access shared resources, collaborate, and track project progress. The e-Consortium of ICAR for Indian Himalayan Region (eCIHR) is a collaborative initiative that focuses on advancing research and development in the Indian Himalayan region, which includes states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. The consortium is managed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), which is a premier national institution for agricultural research and education in India.

Major Areas of Focus

• 1.Climate Change and Agriculture: Research on the impacts of climate change on agricultural productivity, soil health, and water resources, and developing adaptive strategies
• 2.Soil and Water Conservation: Techniques for erosion control, water harvesting, and soil fertility management to improve land productivity and sustainability.
• 3.Biodiversity and Conservation: Studies on the conservation of native plant species, agro-biodiversity, and ecosystems in the Himalayan region
• 4.Livelihood Improvement: Strategies to enhance income and food security for farmers through improved crop varieties, sustainable practices, and value addition.

Collaborative Efforts

• 1. Unified Access for Products and Services: A single-window platform streamlines access to products and services from multiple institutes for end users.
• 2. Real-time Expert Support: Scientists from diverse domains within the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) collaborate to provide real-time recommendations and support to farmers, entrepreneurs, agencies, and researchers.
• 3. Research Projects: Joint research projects involving multiple ICAR institutes, universities, and research organizations to address specific challenges in the region.
• 4. Field Demonstrations: Implementing and demonstrating new technologies and practices on farms to assess their effectiveness and promote adoption.
• 5. Policy Support: Providing recommendations and support for policy formulation and implementation related to agriculture and rural development in the Himalayan region