NAMSAI, Oct 31: More than 200 farmers from different villages of Namsai district participated in an awareness programme on plant genetic resources organised by ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Namsai, in collaboration with ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi, at the KVK campus on Friday.
The programme focused on the conservation of indigenous crop varieties and traditional seed resources, besides promoting scientific and sustainable farming practices. Agricultural inputs, including vegetable seed kits, ropes and tarpaulins, were also distributed among participating farmers.
In his inaugural address, Dr Utpal Barua, Senior Scientist and Head of ICAR-KVK Namsai, welcomed the farmers and outlined the objectives of the programme.
Dr Harish GD, Senior Scientist, ICAR-NBPGR, highlighted the role of tribal communities and local farmers in conserving indigenous landraces and plant genetic resources. Dr Padmavati Ganpat Gore, Senior Scientist, ICAR-NBPGR, spoke on the potential of plant genetic resources in developing improved crop varieties.
Dr Rashmi Yadav, Principal Scientist, ICAR-NBPGR, briefed the participants on the institute’s mandate and activities, emphasising the contribution of women-led self-help groups and community seed banks to the conservation of plant genetic resources.
Tage Lampung, Agricultural Development Officer, Namsai, informed farmers about Govt schemes promoting organic agriculture and encouraged the cultivation of indigenous crops and traditional varieties. He also briefed them on the disbursement of the 24th instalment under the PM-KISAN scheme on the day.
The initiative sought to strengthen farmers’ awareness of genetic resource conservation while encouraging the adoption of improved agricultural practices for sustainable farming and livelihood development.