ICAR-NBPGR, Regional Station, Akola organized a Workshop cum Awareness programme under Schedule Caste Sub-Plan

A workshop cum awareness programme on “Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources for Health and Nutritional Security” under Schedule Caste Sub-Plan was organized at village Mazod, Tal: Akola, Dist: Akola of Maharashtra State on 22nd March 2022. It was organized with the local support from Gram Panchayat, Mazod and Srushti Organic Farms, Mazod. A total of 130 participants comprising farmers and organizers were the part of the programme. Women farmers also participated proactively in the event. Dr. Dinesh Chand, OIC, ICAR-NBPGR, Regional Station, Akola Chaired the programme. Dr. Umesh Thakare, Project Co-ordinator, KVK, Akola was the chief guest. Shri. Shivlal Tale, Upsarpanch, Grampanchayat Mazod, Shri. Santosh Tale, Progressive Farmer, Shri. Bandu Khandare, Progressive Farmers were the invited guests for the programme.

Dr. Sunil S. Gomashe, Sr. Scientist, ICAR-NBPGR, RS, Akola coordinated the event and highlighted the purpose of the workshop and programme. The farmers were upraised on importance of conserving the valuable plant genetic resources in their region. Dr. Dinesh Chand gave overview of ICAR-NBPGR activities related to conservation of plant genetic resources and need of diversification in farming system by inclusion of millets, minor pulses, oil seeds and other potential crops. He also urged the farmers to include these nutrition rich crops in their cropping systems to secure the nutritional security of their families. Dr. Umesh Thakare, PC, KVK, Akola gave information on the importance of soil health and procedure to collect and deposit soil samples for preparing soil health cards. He also elaborated on use of integrated approaches for insect pest management and nutrition management in farming system.

The farmers in their talk expressed thanks to ICAR-NBPGR for organizing the programme in their village and assured to take up the cultivation of these nutritious and climate resilient crops on their farm on at least small area. ICAR-NBPGR displayed the diversity collected in millets, oilseeds, okra, pulses and potential crops. A kit consisting of Tarpaulin, seed packets of improved varieties of vegetables, Trichoderma viridae bio-fungicide and Plastic Ghamela were distributed to 100 beneficiary farmers from Mazod and Goregaon (Bk). Finally Dr. Sunil Gomashe proposed the vote of thanks. From ICAR-NBPGR, project staff Shri. Nandan Tayade (JRF) did the local coordination, Shri. Pradip Wankhede (Pro Asst.), Shri. Pavan Wathore (Pro Asst.), Shri. Akshay Shendre and Shri. Rushikesh Tayade made arrangements for PGR diversity exhibition and kit distribution.