ITANAGAR, Jul 13: A one-day training programme on ‘package of practices for buckwheat cultivation and its post-harvest management & input distribution under front line demonstration (FLD)’ was organized at the College of Horticulture and Forestry (CHF), Central Agricultural University, Pasighat, today.
The programme was jointly organized by CHF, MTTC & VTC, KVK East Siang and district agriculture office, Pasighat with financial support from the All India Coordinated Research Network (AICRN) on Potential Crops, ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR), New Delhi.
The training aimed to enhance farmers’ knowledge on improved package of practices for buckwheat cultivation, post-harvest management and value addition while promoting potential crops in Arunachal Pradesh.
Agricultural inputs were also distributed under FLD Programme to encourage adoption of improved production technologies.
A total of 30 farmers, 27 women and three men participated in the programme.
Dean, CHF, Pasighat, Prof L Wangchu, highlighted the immense potential of buckwheat as a climate-smart and high-value crop for improving food, nutritional and livelihood security in the Himalayan region.
Dr P Debnath, Professor and chief organizing secretary, highlighted the importance of buckwheat as a climate-resilient and nutritionally rich crop for the hill ecosystems of Arunachal Pradesh.
Principal scientist and nodal officer, AICRN on potential crops, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi, Dr S K Yadav, emphasized the role of underutilized crops in ensuring climate resilience, nutritional security and livelihood enhancement in the North Eastern Himalayan region.
Agriculture Development Officer, Pasighat, Aido Moyong, emphasized the promotion of buckwheat through scientific nutrient management and convergence of research and extension activities.
District Agriculture Officer, East Siang, Dana Moyong, highlighted the importance of quality seed distribution and scientific cultivation practices for improving farmers' livelihoods.
Vice president state BJP unit Dungoli Libang and President Bharatiya Kisan Morcha, East Siang, Kaling Jamoh, emphasized the importance of scientific farming, value addition and institutional support for strengthening rural livelihoods.
The technical session comprised of expert lectures by scientists from CHF, Pasighat, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi and Department of Agriculture, Pasighat covering scientific cultivation practices, soil health management, integrated crop management, genetic resources, value addition, post-harvest management and vermicompost-based nutrient management for sustainable buckwheat production.