Two days’ Workshop on ‘’Plant Genetic Resource of Nagaland: Dynamic Conservation and Enhancing Rural Income’’ 4th-5th March’ 2022

Interface workshop on Plant Genetic Resource of Nagaland: Dynamic Conservation and Enhancing Rural Income was organized.

ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi in collaboration with Department of Horticulture, Nagaland University, Medziphema, Nagaland and Directorate of Horticulture, Govt of Nagaland organized the interactive workshop on “Plant Genetic Resource of Nagaland: Dynamic Conservation and Enhancing Rural Income” at Dimapur, Nagaland on 4th – 5th March’ 2022. Shri. Y Kikheto Sema, IAS, Agriculture Production Commissioner, Govt. of Nagaland has inaugurated this important workshop. In his inaugural address, he has emphasized on the rich genetic diversity of plants in the Nagaland and their vast local utilization by inhabitants for food, fodder, fuel and other uses. He amply shared his deep concern about the destruction of biodiversity taking place from the hills of Nagaland and need to bring biodiversity conservation studies in the elementary education and also in religious teachings. He laid emphasis on deterioration of soil health, urbanization and human interference in natural habitats leading to loss of biodiversity.

Welcoming the participants, Prof. M. Aleminla Ao, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Nagaland University, outlined the priorities for managing the plant genetic resources. Dr. Ashok Kumar, Director, ICAR-NBPGR and Dr. Prakash Patil, ICAR-AICRP (Fruits), IIHR participated in online mode and opined about taking the necessary steps for the conservation of unexplored germplasm in the state of Nagaland and expressed their views to work with the local communities and institutions in collaborative mode to protect the vast genetic wealth of Nagaland.

Dr. S. P. Alhawat, Dr. S. K. Malik from ICAR-NBPGR, Dr. J C. Rana, Country Representative, India Office, Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, India Office, Shri. Supongnukshi Ao, IFS, CCF, Govt. of Nagaland and Dr. C.S. Maiti made presentations on important topics related to climate change, PGR systems in India, Role of State Biodiversity Board, importance of Community seed systems and farmers right, collection and conservation of PGR, and Biodiversity of Nagaland. Panel discussion and feedback from the participants including farmers was also taken. Valedictory speech was delivered by Prof. S. Ramarao, Head, Dept. of Bio-informatics and Biotechnology NEHU, Shillong. Prof. Akali Sema, Dean, SASRD campus, Medziphema, Nagaland urged for the collaboration of all the agencies working in Nagaland for dynamic conservation, characterization and utilization of PGRs either crop variety or wild landraces with mission mode to save Genetic resource.

Total 127 faculties, Scientists, Officers from horticulture/agriculture Dept. Govt. Of Nagaland KVKs, officers from Nagaland state Biodiversity Board, Research Scholars and Progressive farmers attended the two (2) days interface workshop. Exhibition showing important Horticultural diversity of plants was also organised during this event.

Organizing secretaries, Dr. S.K. Malik, Principal Scientist, ICAR-NBPGR and Prof C. S. Maiti, Head Dept. of Horticulture, Nagaland University profusely appreciated and thanked all the University Authorities, State Government Officers, participants including scientists and farmers for the grand success of this two days interactive workshop and for the formulating the way forward towards PGR conservation in Nagaland.