Plant Genetic Resources Conservation awareness programme organized by ICAR- NBPGR RS Jodhpur at KVK, Hindaun City on 20th March 2021

One day awareness programmes cum workshop on conservation of Plant Genetic Resources for nutritional and livelihood security of tribal farming community was successfully organized on 20th March, 2021, under Tribal Sub Plan at KVK, Hindaun City, Karauli, Rajasthan. Programme was attended by about 110 beneficiaries, belonging to 14 villages of Karouli district of Rajasthan. The main purpose of the event was to educate the tribal 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 achieved by the farmers of that region. Dr. Vijay Singh Meena, Officer In Charge, ICAR-NBPGR Regional Station Jodhpur welcomed the guests and participants. He gave detailed information about ICAR-NBPGR activities and the objectives of the programme. He spoke on the gradual loss of diversity belong to agri horticultural crops of eastern Rajasthan area in particular, PGR conservation practices and role of National Gene Bank of NBPGR in repatriating the crops diversity eroded from different areas. Dr. Bachhu Singh, Programme Coordinator, KVK, Hindaun City urged farmers to visit KVK campus regularly for keep updating latest technology in field of agriculture. He gave brief note about various activities run by KVK. Sh. R. L. Jat, Deputy Director of Agriculture, Karauli gave detailed information to farmers about various schemes subsidies to ST peoples under NHM for doubling farmer’s income. Shri Madan Gopal Meena, Ex Sarpanch gram panchayat Jhareda appreciated the conservation activities being carried out by the Jodhpur Station of the Bureau. He praised such initiatives and called upon to carry out such programmes regularly to generate awareness about conservation of biodiversity. Dr. Kartar Singh (Scientist), informed the farmers about the role of NBPGR in conservation of plant genetic resources including traditional landraces/varieties and community seed banks in supply of locally adapted farmer’s varieties. The problems of farmers were also addressed during feedback session. Agricultural tools were distributed to the farmers. At the end vote of thanks proposed byDr. Kartar Singh. The farmers and officials of agriculture department and Staff of KVK, Karouli praised ICAR-NBPGR for reaching and conducting this programme in such a remote area.

(Source:  Dr. Vijay Singh Meena, ICAR-NBPGR, Regional Station Jodhpur)