ICAR-NBGPR, Regional Station, Akola organized a Workshop cum Awareness programme under Tribal Sub-Plan on Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources for Health and Nutritional Security

A Workshop cum Awareness programme under Tribal Sub-Plan on “Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources for Health and Nutritional Security” was organized at Vil:- Alegaon, Tal: Patur, Dist: Akola, Maharashtra State on 27th March 2022. It was organized with the local support from Smt. Padmabai Jain English Primary School, Alegaon. A total of 130 participants comprising tribal farmers and organizers were part of the programme. Shri. Ramanji Jain, Ex-Member, Zilla Parishad, Akola was the chief guest of the programme. Dr. Dinesh Chand, OIC, ICAR-NBPGR, Regional Station, Akola Chaired the programme. Shri. Wandaji Thakare, Ex-Sarpanch, Chondi, Shri. Baliramji Sasane, Ex-Sarpanch, Pachran, Sh. Dhanraji Lahole and Shri. Anil Jain were the other dignitaries present on the dice. Dr. Sunil S. Gomashe, Sr. Scientist, ICAR-NBPGR, RS, Akola coordinated the event and highlighted the purpose of the workshop and programme. The tribal farmers were apprised on importance of conserving the valuable plant genetic resources in their region. Dr. Dinesh Chand gave an overview of ICAR-NBPGR in conserving PGR and stressed on need of diversification in farming system by inclusion of millets, minor pulses, oil seeds and other potential crops. He also requested farmers to develop community seed bank for the benefit of tribal community and he assured support from the ICAR-NBPGR. He also requested farmers to join their hands together in conserving and protecting valuable traditional seeds. ICAR-NBPGR displayed the diversity collected in millets, oilseeds, pulses, okra and potential crops. A kit consisting of vegetables seeds packets, Trichoderma viridae bio-fungicide, Phosphate Solubalizing Bacteria (PSB) liquid and Plastic Ghamela were distributed to 100 beneficiary tribal farmers from Pachran, Adhar Sangavi and Charmoli villages of Patur Taluka. Finally Dr. Sunil Gomashe gave information on method to use Trichoderma viridae a Bio-fungicide and Phosphate Solubilising Bacteria (PSB) solution and he also proposed the vote of thanks and urged the tribal farmers to use the vegetable seed kits for their health and nutritional security. From ICAR-NBPGR, project staff Shri. Nandan Tayade (JRF) did the local coordination, Smt. Smita Karale (UDC), Miss. Yukta Sarap (Pro. Asst.), Shri. Manoj Patokar (JRF), Shri. Pradip Wankhede (Pro Asst.), Shri. Pavan Wathore (Pro Asst.), Shri. Akshay Shendre and Shri. Shubham Mahakal made arrangements for PGR diversity exhibition and kit distribution.