ICAR-NBPGR RS Jodhpur organized one day farmer’s “Awareness programme cum workshop on conservation of Plant Genetic Resources for Schedule caste community” under SCSP scheme

One day awareness programme cum workshop on conservation of Plant Genetic Resources for nutritional and livelihood security of farming community was successfully organized under SCSP scheme at Uttamber village of Baleshar Tehsil in Jodhpur District, Rajasthan. The main purpose of the event was to educate the farmers about the importance of conservation of landraces/ local cultivars and protection of endangered species of crops of that area, so that the conservation of this priceless treasure can be done by the farmers for the farmers and ultimately for the country. Shri Deepa Ram Ji, Sarpanch of gram panchayat was the chief guest of the event. Deputy sarpanch of the village Smt. Kailash Devi was the guest of honour for the programme. The workshop was inaugurated by the welcome of the guests by villagers. After welcoming, Dr. Kartar Singh, OIC, NBPGR RS Jodhpur gave detailed information about ICAR-NBPGR and the objectives of the programme. He explained to the farmers about agro-biodiversity available in Rajasthan, conservation and utilization of plant genetic resources with the focuse on arid zone plant genetic resources. He also addresses the gathering on various activities being done by NBPGR for conservation and utilization of arid zone plant genetic resources. Dr. Neelam Shekhawat, Scientist interacted with farmers about local cultivars and need of their protection. Sh. Bhatta Ram, Technical Officer also spoke on the occasion. Sh. Deepa Ram Ji sarpanch thanks NBPGR team for conducting the programme and village and termed the event highly informative. Smt. Chanchal Gena, Technician assisted in registration of participating farmers. At the end of the workshop Sh. Dharm Raj Meena, Technical Assistant proposed vote of thanks to the guests and farmers. The agricultural tools kit containing Hand cultivator, spade, rack and sickle were distributed to 150 farmers.

(Source:  Dr. Kartar Singh, Officer-In-Charge, ICAR-NBPGR, Regional Station Jodhpur)