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The valedictory function of ‘Training Program on  Management of Plant Genetic Resources’ was held on March 19, 2018 at ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Pusa Campus New Delhi. Dr N.S. Rathore, DDG (Agricultural Education), ICAR was the Chief Guest and Dr D.K. Yadava, ADG (Seed), ICAR was Guest of Honor.
In his welcome address, Dr Kuldeep Singh, Director, ICAR-NBPGR and Course Director explained about the uniqueness of NBPGR activities and expertise. He said that knowledge and skill of NBPGR faculty was of world standard and requested DDG (Education) to facilitate in recognition of NBPGR as a Centre of Excellence in PGR.
Dr S.K. Kaushik, Course Convener, presented the report of training program that was attended by 21  participants from 12 different institutes from 12 states across India participated. Among these, 14 were from ICAR institutes and others from SAUs, CAU and CSIR institutes. The training program was conducted by experts from diverse disciplines through lectures (33) and practical/demonstration (7). In all, 55 resource persons imparted training, comprising 12 from ICAR, IARI, PPVFRA, IIHR, IIMR, TAAS and Bioversity International, and remaining from NBPGR. Aspects of PGR management such as plant exploration and collecting, characterization and evaluation, holistic conservation and use through conventional and modern approaches were taught. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), biotechnological approaches, bioinformatics, documentation and database management and international policies on exchange of PGR were elaborated by the experienced faculty. The trainees also visited facilities of ICAR-NBPGR, Issapur Farm, Krishi Unnati Mela and a Herbal Garden. Dr Kaushik informed that to analyze impact of the training program, an evaluation of participants was carried out through questionnaire at the beginning and end of the training, which showed significant positive improvement in understanding of PGR after completing the training program. 
During the feedback session, the representatives from trainees Dr Shivani Dobhal and Dr Khizer Samad Baig, thanked the organizers and the faculty for providing training. They were of the opinion that the training had been very well designed and executed, but training period was somewhat short to cover all aspects of PGR management.
Certificates were awarded to all the trainees by the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour, along with and a CD of all the training material (lectures, presentation and literature). During his remarks,
Dr D.K. Yadava, ADG (Seed), emphasized the importance of handling the germplasm and proper procedure to be followed for import/export of the germplasm. While congratulating the trainees and the faculty, he also supported the inclusion of NBPGR training under CAFT program of ICAR.
The Chief Guest, Dr N.S. Rathore, DDG  (Agricultural Education), ICAR, stressed upon importance of training and education in achieving greater goals in research, as it improves knowledge, skill and ability. Based on the report presented and feedback of the trainees, he rated the program very highly. He told that valedictory function of training program is a beginning for trainees to carry forward what they learnt from the training and explore greater collaboration and cooperation. While appreciating the course content and design, he suggested that inclusion of leaflets/pamphlets in local languages should also be given due importance.
The valedictory function concluded by vote of thanks from Dr Anuradha Agrawal, Course Convener.
(Source: Dr. Anuradha Agrawal, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi)
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