Shillong, Dec 3: The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), South Garo Hills in collaboration with the ICAR–National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi conducted a one-day workshop on ‘Plant Genetic Resources Awareness Programme” under NEH plan at the Farmers’ Training Centre, Warima under Chokpot C&RD Block.
Addressing the gathering, Principal Scientist at the ICAR-NBPGR Dr. Rashmi Yadav highlighted the importance of plant genetic resources in ensuring agricultural sustainability, conservation, and future crop improvement. He also spoke on the relevance of such programmes in empowering farmers and strengthening community-based conservation initiatives.
Principal Scientist and Head of KVK Dr. Athokpam Haribhushan acknowledged the crucial role played by NBPGR in promoting awareness on plant genetic resources and emphasised that such initiatives greatly benefit farmers in remote districts like South Garo Hills.
Following the inaugural session, a technical session featured lectures by experts from KVK South Garo Hills—Basu Langpoklakpam (SMS, Horticulture), Rike Chelchak A Sangma (SMS, Agronomy), Dr. Tanya R. Marak (SMS, Plant Protection), and Mishael R. Marak (HDO, Chokpot C&RD Block).
The speakers discussed various aspects of plant genetic resources, including conservation strategies, cultivation practices, and their role in enhancing crop resilience.
As part of the programme, vegetable seed kits containing seven types of vegetable seeds were distributed to all participants.
A total of 150 farmers representing 10 villages across South Garo Hills and 15 KVK staff took part in the workshop.
