Report on “PGR/Farmer Rights Awareness Camp cum Biodiversity Fair” organized under TSP programme at Akchamal District Kargil, Ladakh (J & K) on 25th September, 2018

One day “PGR/Farmer Rights Awareness Camp cum Biodiversity Fair” was organized by ICAR-NBPGR Regional Station Srinagar at village Akchamal, District Kargil of Ladakh province of Jammu & Kashmir state on 25th September, 2018. During the camp scientists from Mountain Agriculture Research & Extension Station (MARES) SKUAST (K) Kargil and ICAR-NBPGR Regional Station Srinagar interacted with farmers about the importance, value and advantages of local plant genetic resources like barley, buckwheat, minor millets, alfalfa, apricot, wild chickpea, sea buckthorn, medicinal plants etc. and need for their conservation. The relevance of these traditional crops/PGR to the livelihood and nutritional security of tribal people residing in harsh environments of Kargil Ladakh especially under prevailing climatic uncertainties was also deliberated upon by the expert scientists. The farmers were also informed about Farmer Rights. Some local farmers also shared their experiences in their local language during the programme. A total number of 159 local farmers mostly women (111) attended the camp. 75 kgs seed of alfalfa (Lucerne) seed and 150 pieces of petty agricultural tools (Hoe) purchased locally were distributed among the farmers on the occasion. The farmers of the area hailed ICAR-NBPGR for organizing such an informative awareness programme about local crops/ plant genetic resources. The event was covered by DD Kashmir and one and a half minute news about the programme was telecast in the evening Ladakhi news bulletin on 26th November, 2018. Organization of this awareness programme has widely been appreciated on social media.

(Source:Dr. Sheikh M Sultan, OIC, ICAR-NBPGR Regional Station Srinagar)