Farmers trained on plant genetic resources in Chümoukedima

DIMAPUR — A farmers’ awareness programme on ‘Plant genetic resources conservation’ was held at Angh Hall, Agri Expo Site, Chümoukedima, on November 14.

The programme was organised by the ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi, in collaboration with School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema campus, an update stated.

A total of 109 farmers from four districts covering 24 villages of Nagaland attended the programme.

Dr. GP Singh, Director of ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi, highlighted the work of ICAR-NBPGR in his address and expressed interest in collaborating with Nagaland for ex-situ and in-situ conservation of plant genetic resources.

Dr. Singh also shared the importance of gene banks and noted that Nagaland is one of the richest states among the seven states in the production of organic vegetables and fruits.

He concluded by remarking that ICAR's motto is “Farmers first” and looked forward to interacting with farmers.

Dr. Sushil Pandey, PS, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi, highlighted the programme and thanked the delegates and farmers for their presence. He noted that the programme was part of the GoI mandate to conduct programmes for farmers in North-Eastern Hill regions.

Lipok Jamir, Jt. Director, SARS, Dept. of Agriculture, Mokokchung, shared a brief remark about the programme, highlighting germplasm conservation and collection.

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He noted the department's efforts in ex-situ and in-situ germplasm conservation, which could help address future climate change and health challenges.

Dr. Kruolalie Tsùrho, Team leader of Nagaland Bio Resource Mission, Kohima, discussed about the importance of medicinal plants.

He informed that NBRM has successfully identified and documented 650 medicinal plants from Nagaland.

Dr. Tsùrho highlighted Nagaland's rich diversity of medicinal plants, noting many remain unidentified or lost. He stressed the need for identification, conservation, and maintenance of medicinal plant germplasm.

The programme was chaired by Prof. Akali Sema, Dept. of Horticulture, SAS, NU. Prof. AK Singh, Dept. of Soil Science, SAS, NU, delivered the welcome address, introduced the delegates and farmers, and felicitated them. This was followed by an interactive session between the delegates and farmers.

Dr. GD Harish, Senior Scientist & OIC, NBPGR Regional Station, Shillong, delivered the vote of thanks.

The programme concluded with distribution of certificate of participation and agricultural inputs to the farmers.