ICAR-KrishiVigyan Kendra (KVK) West Garo Hills organised a Kisan Mela ‘Citrus cum Tuber Crop Festival’ under KrishiSwarnaSamridhi Week at KVK today.
The programme commenced with the inauguration of exhibition stalls by the chief guest, BP Singh, Principal Scientist and Head, DTAC, ICAR Umiam.
He motivated farmers to conserve local germplasm and also commended the role of the KVK in disseminating scientific knowledge and addressing farmers’ challenges. He further emphasised the need to fully utilise the rich biodiversity available in the district. Additionally, he highlighted marketing strategies for citrus and tuber crops and encouraged farmers to form self-help groups (SHGs) in their villages.
Serenebell W Momin, District Veterinary Officer and the guest of honour, addressed the participants on the cultural significance of citrus and tuber crops in Garo traditions. She also emphasised the nutritional benefits of these crops.
Dr H Talang, Scientist (Fruit Science), ICAR Umiam and special guest, noted that the world looks towards the biodiversity of citrus and tuber crops prevalent in the Garo Hills region. He urged farmers to focus on the conservation of local germplasm for the future and to adopt sustainable agricultural practices.
In her welcome address, Monica Suresh Singh, Senior Scientist & Head, ICAR-KVK West Garo Hills, provided an overview of the programme’s significance, emphasising the scope and prospects of citrus and tuber crops in Garo Hills and their role in augmenting farmers’ incomes.
In the end a farmer-scientist interaction session was also conducted, where farmers actively participated and received expert solutions to their queries. In addition to this an exhibition was organised to showcase various citrus and tuber species, with stalls set up. The event saw the participation of 189 individuals from various villages of West Garo Hills and different institutions.
