ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources RS, Shillong in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), East Khasi Hills under the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Meghalaya organised a one-day training programme on “Awareness Camp on Plant Genetic Resources Utilisation and Conservation” at Tynring Village, East Khasi Hills today.
Badahunlang Wahlang, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK, East Khasi Hills welcomed the dignitaries and the local farmers gathered during the occasion.
Dr. Subarna Hajong, Scientist, ICAR NBPGR RS, Shillong outlined the objectives of the training program and briefed the gathering about the mandate and activities of ICAR-NBPGR.
Earlier, W Nongrum, headman of Tynring Village thanked the organisers for conducting such a program for the benefit of farmers.
Speaking as chief guest of the programme, D Lamar, Joint Director of Horticulture (Planning), Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of Meghalaya emphasised about the need for conservation of plant genetic resources especially the local varieties. He also implored the farmers to set up local seed/gene banks to conserve and to meet their local requirements of seeds.
Dr. Chubasenla Aochen, Scientist, ICAR Regional Centre, Umroi spoke about the nutritional diversity of indigenous plant genetic resources in NE India and their importance and utilisation.
Dr. Ruth Assumi, Scientist, ICAR Regional Centre, Umroi informed the gathering about the importance and various methods of processing of different agri-horticultural crops.
During the training programme, agricultural tools and seedlings of Dillenia indica, an important medicinal plant, were distributed to 100 farmers.
