PGR conservation awareness programme organized for tribal farmers of Dhemaji, Assam

The ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi and KVK, Dhemaji (Assam Agricultural University) have jointly organised one day programme on “Plant genetic resources conservation awareness and Biodiversity fair” for tribal farmers of district Dhemaji on 19th December, 2020 at Simen Chapori, Silapathar, Dhemaji, Assam. Programme was attended by more than 85 tribal farmers. Dr. SP Ahlawat, Head DPE&GC, ICAR-NBPGR explained about the activities of NBPGR, importance of farmer varieties in context of nutritional security and changing climate, need for their cultivation and on farm conservation. He also told about the role of community seed bank in sustained supply of locally adapted quality seed of farmer varieties.

Sh. Triyanga Bharati Borah, District Horticulture Officer Dhemaji (Chief guest) highlighted the uses and importance of local farmer's variety of rice, vegetables in the flood prone areas of Dhemaji district, and emphasized on the need to conserve them in view of changing climate. Dr. Gunjan Gogoi, Chief Scientist of RARS and Head, KVK, Dhemaji, emphasized on importance of local fruits, vegetables and rice varieties and need to cultivate for their conservation. Other speakers included Dr. A K Saikia. SMS (Animal Science) KVK, Sh. Sachin Dolly. Principal, Science collage and progressive farmer. All these speakers appreciated the initiatives of ICAR- NBPGR on conservation of plant genetic resources and reaching Simen Chapori- a tribal dominated remote place of Assam to conduct this programme. Sh. OP Dhariwal also explained about the importance of farmer's varieties, organic products in health and economy of local people. Inputs (spade, 8 tine rack, sickle, Khurpa) etc. were given to all tribal farmers. Programme ended with vote of thanks to the participants and guests.

(Source:  Dr. Sudhir P Ahlawat, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi)