by Anup Biswas

Haflong : A team for scientist from ICAR-NBPGR (National Bureau of Plant Genetics Resources) New Delhi and ICAR-NBPGR(National Bureau of Plant Genetics Resources) Shillong have been exploring and collecting multi crop germplasm grown under Jhum Cultivation of Dima Hasao District with an objective to conserve its genetic resource for research and its use for future generation.

During their ongoing tour one day TSP (Tribal Sub-Plan) awareness programme on Plant Genetic Resources Conservation for nutritional and livelihood security of tribal community of Dima Hasao district of Assam was conducted by ICAR-NBPGR, Regional Station, Umiam, Meghalaya in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Dima Hasao(under Keshav Smarak Nyas) at Miyungnkhro village, Harangajao Block on 21st October, 2021.

In this programme 100 tribal farmers belonging to Dimasa tribal community attended the programme. The programme was started with registration followed by welcome speech from Ms. Parkey Gogoi, SMS (Horticulture). Guest of Honour Somendra Longmailai (Chief Trustee Keshav Smarak Nyas).

Thereafter Dr. R.S Rathi, Principal Scientist, ICAR-NBPGR, HQs New Delhi delivered a lecture on awareness on importance of crop wild relative as a genetic resource in Agriculture. Dr. Julius Uchoi, Scientist & OIC, ICAR-NBPGR, Umiam gave an awareness lecture on conservation and utilization of underutilised fruit crops in NE Region. Dr. P.S. Mehta Chief technical officer, NBPGR, Regional station, Bhowali, Uttrakhand briefed about importance of local germplasm and its domestication in agriculture under hill Agroclimate. Ms. Rashmita Saikia, Head-In-Charge & SMS (Agriculture Extension) KVK, Dima Hasao gave a brief presentation about their station KVK role towards sustainable income for farmers upliftment.

At the end of the session Ms. Sonia Langthasa SMS (Home science) gave vote of thanks. Dr.N.Manoranjan Singh, Program Assistant(Veterinary) assisted with distribution of  knapsack sprayers to 100 farmers. The enthusiastic farmers also brought their varieties of local crop produce and have shared with scientists.