ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Regional Station, Umiam in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), West Jaintia Hills organized a One Day Programme for farmers on “Awareness Camp on Utilization and Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture” at Narwan Village, East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya on 15th Sept., 2023. The program was attended by 97 farmers (80 female, 17 male) of the village. Dr. Subarna Hajong, Scientist, ICAR NBPGR RS Umiam, welcomed the State officials, resource persons, the village administration and the farmers present during the program. She briefly outlined the objectives and benefits of the training program for the farmers. She also highlighted the mandate and activities of ICAR-NBPGR and deliberated on the importance of conservation of local and indigenous crops for sustainable and resilient agriculture under the present climate change scenario. The year 2023, being declared as the International Year of Millets, she also informed the farmers about the dwindling diversity of millets which was once a traditionally and culturally important crop of the local people.
Mr.L. Langstang, Village Headman appreciated the efforts of ICAR NBPGR RS Umiam and KVK West Jaintia Hills for organising an awareness program for the local farmers. Dr. Dodo Pasweth, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK West Jaintia Hills spoke about different local varieties of crops which are at present unable to meet the growing market demands. He cited lack of conservation efforts and proper storage strategies as the main factors. Shri Deibormee Dhar, District Horticulture Officer, East Jaintia Hills highlighted the importance of conservation of local varieties of crop germplasm especially millets. He also talked about the nutritional benefits of millets. Dr. Tasvina Borah, Senior Scientist, ICAR RC for NEH Region, Umiam talked on eco-friendly management of diseases in fruit germplasm particularly Citrus. Smt. Banylla Kharbamon and Smt. Marbiangdor Mawlong, SMSes, KVK West Jaintia Hills spoke on canopy management of fruit germplasm and awareness on natural farming, respectively, during the program. Dr. Ruth Assumi, Scientist, ICAR RC for NEH Region, Umiam talked about postharvest management of Citrus germplasm emphasizing on value-addition for sustainable growth of the farmers.
During the training program, agricultural tools viz. sickles, watering cans, vermibeds and other items like caps and Citrus saplings were distributed to all the participating farmers. The participating farmers also showcased different crop germplasms which are grown in the village viz. rice, maize, pumpkin, chili, mustard, cucumber, radish, perilla etc. The meeting concluded with vote of thanks by Mr. Stanley Roy Mulieh, Assistant Director of Horticulture (HQ), District Horticulture Office, East Jaintia Hills.
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