Agro biodiversity Conservation fair at Munsyari (Pithoragarh) organised by ICAR-NBPGR RS Bhowali on 17 March, 2021

Agro-biodiversity Conservation fair at Munsyari of district Pithoragarh was organised by ICAR-NBPGR R/S Bhowali on 17 March, 2021. The programme was attend by more than 100 tribal farmers of six villages of Munsyari Block. The Woman farmers (68) had larger representation among the participants. A competition of local agro-biodiversity was also organised and prize and certificate were given to winner custodian farmers who had brought maximum number of samples of crops, landraces and medicinal aromatic plants. The station also displayed the seeds of local landraces of crops and diversity through charts and display boxes.

Dr. Mehta welcomed the guests and farmers. He spoke on the importance of crops diversity and role of wild relatives in development of food crops domestication process and importance of seeds in crops cultivation for food security.

Dr. Mamta Arya OIC of the station told about the activities of NBPGR and its role in management, conservation of plant genetic recources in the country. She also told about on-farm conservation and activities of station particularly those promoting the agro-biodiversity conservation and livelihood support by farmers.

Dr. K. M. Rai, Scientist R/S Bhowali told about the fruits, vegetables and medicinal plant diversity in the state, state of loss and need to conserve the diversity. He also told about the fruit plants like Kiwi and other which are being multiplied and distributed to the farmers by the station.

Dr. Mona Chauhan, WII Dehradun spoke about the insects and butterflies diversity, their importance in pollination and their need for conservation.

Dr. S. P. Ahlawat spoke about the need of on-farm conversation of landraces, their role in health and nutritional security and also told about the impact of climate change and community seed system for maintaining the supply of quality seed of traditional varieties. Village Pradhans of six villages also attended the programme and spoke about rich diversity of traditional system of the Munsyari and higher reaches of Himalayas. The problems of the farmers were addressed. Inputs in the form of seeds of vegetables and small hand tools viz., Kutla, Rake , VL Hand Fork , VL Darati , VL Khurpi were given to beneficiaries. The farmers and village pradhans asked to conduct more programmes for other farmers in the area.
The programme ended with vote of thanks to all participants and guests.

(Source:  Dr. Mamta Arya, ICAR-NBPGR, Regional Station Bhowali)