Biodiversity Fair cum Plant Genetic Resources Awareness Camp organized at Nongtyrlaw - Sohkhwai village of Ri-Bhoi district Meghalaya.

Under Tribal Sub Plan (TSP), NBPGR Regional Station Shillong in collaboration with KVK Ri-Bhoi organised a “Biodiversity Fair cum Plant Genetic Resources Awareness Camp” at village Nongtyrlaw - Sohkhwai (Ri-Bhoi, Meghalaya) on 12th February 2021. The program was attended by 101 farmers (96 female & 5 male) of Khasi tribal community belonging to three nearby villages Nongtyrlaw, Sohkhwai, and Umden. The program started with welcome note by the village Headman Mr. Tuma Namsaw. Dr. Harish. G.D, Scientist & OIC, RS Shillong, gave detailed introduction on “importance of local landraces and activities of NBPGR in conserving germplasm”. Dr. Julius Uchoi, Scientist (Fruit Science), RS Shillong delivered a lecture on “conservation of underutilized fruit crops of NEH region”. The invited guest lecturer Dr. Pramod Medhi, Asst. Prof., Pandu College, Guwahati spoke on “tuber crop germplasm of NEH region and importance of ITKs associated with germplasm”. Dr. M. Mokidul Islam, Pri. Sci. & Head KVK Ri-Bhoi made his remarks by emphasising on “the role of KVK in conserving land races of Meghalaya". Interpretation of all the speeches into Khasi language was done by Mrs. Jessica Dohtdong, Prog. Asst. KVK, Ri-Bhoi. Registration was done by office staff of the Station Mrs. L. Kharnarry, (Asst.), Ms. Saumika Bhattacharjee (JRF), Ms.Sara Pradhan (YP-II), Mr. Given Thangkhiew (YP-I) and Ms. Barihun Makri. An exhibition of local germplasm brought by the 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 Mrs. Jessica Dohtdong.

(Source:  Dr Harish G.D., ICAR-NBPGR Regional Station Shillong)