One Day Training Program Conducted at Umktieh Village, RiBhoi (Meghalaya) on 7th March, 2023

ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, Regional Station, Umiam in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Ri-Bhoi organised a One Day Training Programme on “Awareness Camp on Utilization and Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture” at Umktieh Village, Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya on 7th March, 2023. The program was attended by 84 farmers (62 female, 24 male) of the village. Dr. Subarna Hajong, Scientist, ICAR NBPGR, RS, Umiam welcomed the resource persons, the village administration and the farmers present during the program. She outlined the objectives of the training program and mandate and activities of ICAR-NBPGR for the benefit of the farmers. She also highlighted the importance of conservation of local and indigenous crops for sustainable and resilient agriculture under climate change regime.

Mr. Deius Jyrwa, Chairman of conglomeration of four different blocks of Umktieh village known as Kynhun Dorbar Umktieh Pyllun (KDUP) thanked ICAR NBPGR, RS, Umiam and KVK, Ri-Bhoi for organising such program for the local farmers. Dr. Mokidul Islam, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Ri-Bhoi spoke about the importance of conservation of local varieties of crop germplasm especially rice. Dr. Utpal Barua, SMS (Horticulture), KVK Ri-Bhoi talked about natural farming practices in agri-horticultural crops and their benefits over inorganic fertiliser based farming practices. Dr. Meghna Sarma, SMS (Agronomy), KVK Ri-Bhoi talked on the various nutritional richness of millets and how it can be promoted for fortification of diet especially in rural areas.

During the training program, agricultural tools viz. spades, pruning shears, watering cans and other items like caps, notepads and ball pens were distributed to all the participating farmers. The participating farmers also showcased 20 different crop germplasms grown in the village such rice, maize, Dioscorea, pumpkin, chilli, ash gourd, rice beans etc. The meeting concluded with vote of thanks by Ms. Sanla, FXB, India Suraksha.