ICAR NBPGR Regional Station, Shillong organised a “Biodiversity Fair cum Plant Genetic Resources Awareness Camp” on 3rd February 2021 under TSP at Lumkhudung, village in West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya

Brief report on Biodiversity Fair cum Plant Genetic Resources Awareness Camp under TSP at Lumkhudung village of West Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya on 3rd February 2021 in collaboration with KVK, Jaintia Hills.

ICAR NBPGR Regional Station- Shillong organised a “Biodiversity Fair cum Plant Genetic Resources Awareness Camp” on 3rd February 2021 under TSP at Lumkhudung, a village in West Jaintia Hills district, in collaboration with KVK Jaintia Hills. The program was attended by 103 farmers (64 female & 39 male) of Pnar tribal community. After registration, the program started with welcome note by Mr. M. Kharbuli, Farm manager, KVK Jaintia Hills. Dr. Harish G.D, Scientist & OIC, RS Shillong gave a brief note on “Importance of plant genetic resources (PGRs) of NEH region and their conservation”. Dr. Julius Uchoi, Scientist, Fruit Science, ICAR-NBPGR RS Shillong delivered a detailed lecture on “Conservation of underutilized fruit crops of NEH region”. Dr. A. Dympep, SMS (Agril.Extn), KVK Jaintia Hills gave a report on “The role and activities of KVK in conserving Plant Genetic Resources in West Jaintia Hills”. The invited chief guest Dr. S.R. Rao, Professor, Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, NEHU Shillong made his remarks by sharing his experiences working with diverse plant species and their importance. Mrs. B. Kharbamon, SMS (Hort.) KVK Jaintia Hills coordinated the farmer scientist interaction. An exhibition of local germplasm brought by farmers was organised during the progarmme. Farm tools, sickles and sprayers were distributed to the participants after the programme. The meeting concluded with vote of thanks by Dr. Rimiki Suchiang, SMS (AH & Vety.), KVK, West Jaintia Hills.

(Source:  Dr Harish G.D., Officer-in-Charge, ICAR-NBPGR, Regional Station Umiam, Shillong, Meghalaya)