Biodiversity Fair cum Plant Genetic Resources Awareness Camp at at Thadnongdiew village of Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya on March 24th, 2018 in collaboration with KVK, Ri-Bhoi under TSP

Biodiversity Fair cum Plant Genetic Resources Awareness Camp organized at Thadnongdiew village of Ri-Bhoi District by ICAR NBPGR Regional Station- Shillong, Umiam in collaboration KVK, Ri-bhoi (ICAR RC NEH Region, Umiam) under TSP. It was attended by 133 farmers from five villages namely, Thadnongdiew, Mausiaw, Mawlong Mawbri and Kyrdem. These include 97 females and 36 males farmers. After registration, a lecture entitled “An overview of PGR activities and farmers participation towards doubling the farmer’s income” delivered by Dr A K Misra, PS & OIC, ICAR-NBPGR Regional Station- Shillong, Umiam. Followed by lectures on “Role of KVK towards doubling the farmers income” by Dr MM Islam (Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR-KVK, Ri- Bhoi), “An overview of central government schemes for farming community” by Dr Harish GD (Scientist, ICAR-NBPGR) and “Community Seed Bank” by Dr S Hajong (Scientist, ICAR-NBPGR). The meeting concluded with vote of thanks given by Dr U Barua (SMS, ICAR-KVK, Ri- Bhoi). The interpretation in Khasi language was done by Ms Jessica Dohtdong of KVK, Ri-Bhoi.

An exhibition on local farmer’s varieties/ germplasm was also organized. A competition was also organized where farmers displayed available local resources, and cash prize awarded to them. The farmers brought local germplas of Soh prew, Pathaw (cucubits) , Rumbai phyrngop, Ri majai, Buri, Ri iong Rymbai shying (beans), Soh ma, Jwain, (rice) Pnah iong (black sticky rice), Riew hadem (maize), Sying mukhir, Shying (ginger), Sohlah Thiang (sweet potato) and Krai (millets). Small hand tools were also distributed to the farmers. Farmer’s interaction programme was also organized and queries raised by the farming community were suitably replied. Farmers assured that they will submit seeds of local germplasm to the NBPGR.

(Source: Dr AK Misra, ICAR-NBPGR, Regional Station Shillong)