"Three programmes on “Plant Genetic Resources conservation and utilization awareness programme and biodiversity fair for tribal farming community” were organized by ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi at KVK Porba, Chepoketa village, Phek district, Nagaland and Tening village of Peren district, Nagaland during February 19-22, 2024. The programme was attended by 300 farmers (including 60 women) of 20 villages, under the NEH Sub-Plan entitled “PGR conservation and utilization awareness programme and biodiversity fair”. The first programme was organised in collaboration with KVK Porba, Phek, Nagaland on 19.02.2024 at KVK Porba under Phek District. Dr. S.K. Singh Senior Scientist and Head, KVK Phek spoke on plant genetic resources and the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act (PPVFRA), Dr DP Semwal, Principal Scientist (ICAR-NBPGR) explained about role of ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi and on the importance of plant genetic resources conservation and encouraged the farmers to conserve the indigenous germplasm, Soyimchiten Scientist, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi spoke on the horticultural genetic resources of Nagaland. Dr Hannah K Asangla, CTO (Agronomy), KVK Phek, presented on the importance of community seed bank. Dr T Esther Longkumer, CTO (Soil Science) KVK Phek, highlighted on the recent agricultural technologies and also briefed about the potential crops and enterprises of the district. The second programme was also organised in collaboration with KVK Phek on 20.02.2024 at Chepoketa village, old Phek. Dr. S.K Singh, along with all the staff participated and addressed the farmers. Dr DP Semwal spoke about the importance of PGR, landraces and long-term conservation at National gene bank. Soyimchiten spoke on the horticultural genetic resources of Nagaland, Dr Hannah K Asangla, Chief Technology Officer (CTO – Agronomy) KVK Phek, discussed the importance of community seed banks. The third programme was organised in collaboration with KVK Peren on 22.02.2024 at Tening village of Peren district, Nagaland. Speaking on the occasion the Chief Guest Smt. T. Lemlila Sangtam, ADC Tening encouraged the farmers to be more sustainable and progressive as well as emphasized on strengthening of farmers producer organization as well as blending of local farming methods and bringing out a comprehensive growth along with scientific research technology, State Agriculture and Horticulture Department officials also attended. Dr. KL Meena Sr. Scientist and Head KVK Peren along with all the staff participated and addressed the farmers. Dr. D.P. Semwal Principal Scientist, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi explained about the importance of PGR, landraces and its role in germplasm conservation and long-term conservation at National gene bank for future utilization. He stressed upon the importance of PGR, landraces and long-term conservation at National gene bank, Soyimchiten spoke on plant biodiversity conservation in the context of Nagaland. Dr Harendra Verma spoke on PPVFRA, its objective and benefits for farmers, Dr. Patu K Zeliang and Z James Kikon spoke on the importance of KVK Centre and its different projects for the farming community. In all the three programmes, exhibits showcasing rich plant biodiversity were put forth by local farmers. Various farming inputs i.e Tarpaulin, Vermibed, secateur, torch light and registration kit comprising messenger bag, writing pad and pen were distributed to 300 tribal farmers during the programmes. The programme was concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by respective coordinator of the programmes.

                                                            (Source :Dr. D.P. Semwal, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi)