Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Moga, in collaboration with ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi, organized an insightful Awareness Programme on Plant Genetic Resources on February 29, 2024. The event, sponsored under the Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) scheme, aimed to empower SC beneficiaries of the district by enhancing their knowledge and practical skills in plant genetic resources.
The programme was graced by distinguished guests, including Dr Satish Kaushik, Principal Scientist and National Coordinator of the SCSP scheme at ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi, Dr Mohar Singh Thakur, Principal Scientist and charge, and Dr Narender Negi, Scientist from Regional Station, Shimla, ICAR-NBPGR.
A key highlight of the event was the distribution of essential equipment to the participants, including battery-operated knapsack power sprayers and foot-operated sewing machines, which will significantly contribute to their agricultural and household activities. Additionally, each participant received plastic crates and summer season vegetable kits to promote nutritional and economic security at the household level.
Dr. Parminder Kaur, Professor of home Science), delivered a warm welcome address, emphasizing the importance of empowering rural women and encouraging them to adopt subsidiary occupations like tailoring to contribute to family income.
Dr. Mohar Singh Thakur delivered an enlightening lecture on the role of NBPGR in promoting dietary diversification for a healthier world. He encouraged farmers to include underutilized vegetables, millets, and other field crops for sustainable household dietary diversification.
Dr Narender Negi sensitized rural men and women about horticultural diversification for nutritional security, motivating them to plant locally adapted fruit trees in their backyards.
Dr. Amandeep Singh Brar, Associate Director of KVK, Moga, highlighted various welfare programs undertaken by KVK for the rural masses in district Moga, urging farmers to participate in training programs, exposure visits, and Kisan Melas organized by KVK.
Dr Satish Kaushik appreciated the efforts of KVK, Moga, for organizing the event and encouraged beneficiaries to utilize the provided equipment to improve their living standards. He also emphasized the importance of conserving locally available plant genetic resources in the gene bank for future utilization.
Furthermore, experts from KVK, Moga, including Dr Manpreet Jaidka, Dr Ramandeep Kaur, and Dr Sandeep Kumar, delivered lectures on various cultivation practices for millet crops.
Dr. Prerna Thakur, coordinator of the program, extended a heartfelt vote of thanks to the ICAR-NBPGR team and beneficiaries for their valuable participation. She encouraged participants to establish backyard kitchen gardens for familial nutritional security.
Read more: https://www.pau.edu/index.php?_act=manageEvent&DO=viewEventDetail&dataE=datae&intID=8794
