Biodiversity Fair cum Plant Genetic Resources Awareness Camp under TSP at Mawpun village of Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya on March 26th, 2019 in collaboration with ICAR-KVK, Ri-Bhoi.

 

Biodiversity Fair cum Plant Genetic Resources Awareness Camp under TSP was organized at Mawpun village of Ri-Bhoi District by ICAR NBPGR Regional Station- Shillong, Umiam in collaboration KVK, Ri-bhoi. The program was attended by 104 farmers (24 Male & 80 Female) of Khasi tribal community. After registration, the program started with welcome address by Mr. Diphrin Nongrum, village Headman. Dr. Harish G.D, Scientist & OIC, RS Shillong gave a brief note on “Importance of local landraces and an overview of activities of NBPGR Shillong in conserving germplasm in NEH region”. Dr M M Islam, Head, ICAR-KVK, Ri- Bhoi, addressed gathering on “Role of KVK in diversifying agriculture” which was followed by a detailed lecture on “Role of NBPGR in collection, conservation, utilization of PGR at the National Level” by Dr. RS Rathi, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi” and finally Dr S Hajong Dr. Subarna Hajong, Scientist, ICAR-NBPGR RS Shillong talked about how germplasm can be conserved at village level through “Community Seed Bank”. An interaction session was conducted for the participating farmers to express their views on PGR awareness and their conservation. The meeting concluded with vote of thanks by Dr U Baruah, SMS, KVK, Ri- Bhoi. Ms Jessica Dohtdong, KVK Ri-Bhoi interpreted the whole programme in local Khasi language for farmers. Dr. OP Dhariwal, NBPGR, New Delhi was also present during the programme.

An exhibition and display of local farmer’s varieties/ germplasm was also organized. The displayed germplasm were shriew dud, kba Manipur (paddy), sying makhir (ginger), riew hadem (maize), shynrai (turmeric), shynrai iong (black turmeric), rymbai (bean), kba lakang (rice), rynsun khasi (garlic), pathaw iong (ash gourd), symbai ri (bean), rymbai khnam (bean), rymbai ja (rice bean), sying (ginger), shynrai Lakadong (turmeric Lakadong type), sohlah prah (Dioscorea), pathaw (pumpkin), phresbin pait puraw (French bean) and rymbai ktung (soyabean). Hand tools, adjustable row marker and spade with handle were distributed to the farmers.

(Source: Dr Harish GD & Dr. Subarna Hajong, ICAR-NBPGR, Regional Station Shillong)