Officials along with the farmers at an awareness programme held at Agri Expo in Chümoukedima on November 15.
Chümoukedima, November 15 (MExN): The ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi, in collaboration with School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University (NU) Medziphema Campus, organised an awareness programme on “Plant Genetic Resources Conservation” at Angh Hall, Agri Expo Site, Chümoukedima on November 14.
The programme was chaired by Prof Akali Sema, Department of Horticulture, SAS (NU) while the welcome address was delivered by Prof A K Singh, Department of Soil Science, SAS (NU) followed by introduction and felicitation of delegates and farmers.
Dr G P Singh, Director, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi, in his address, highlighted the work of ICAR-NBPGR and shared his interest in collaborating with Nagaland with regard to ex-situ and in-situ conservation of plant genetic resources.
Singh also spoke on the importance of gene bank and commended that Nagaland was one of the richest among the seven states in production of organic vegetables and fruits.
Dr Sushil Pandey, PS, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi, thanked the delegates and farmers for their presences, while also highlighting that this program was a part of GoI mandate for conducting programs for the farmers of North Eastern hill regions.
Lipok Jamir, Jt Director, SARS, Department of Agriculture, Mokokchung, emphasized about the germplasm conversation and collection and also shared about the effort made by the department in ex-situ and in-situ germplasm conservation which hold the key to combat the challenges of climate change and health issues in near future.
Dr Kruolalie Tsùrho, Team Leader, Nagaland Bio Resource Mission, Kohima, discussed about the importance of medicinal plants and added that NBRM successfully identified and documented 650 medicinal plants from Nagaland.
He also shared about the abundance of medicinal plants found in Nagaland which remain unidentified or lost for which he emphasized strictly on identification, conservation and maintenance of germplasm of medical plants.
The programme concluded with distribution of certificate to participants and agricultural inputs to the farmers.
The programme was graced by distinguished dignitaries including Dr G P Singh, Director, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi Dr Sushil Pandey, PS, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi, Chaman Singh, Chief Finance & Account officer, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi, Dr G D Harish, Senior Scientist & OIC, NBPGR Regional Station, Shillong, Lipok Jamir, Jt. Director, SARS, Department of Agriculture, Mokokchung, Dr Kruolalie Tsùrho, Team leader, Nagaland Bio resource Mission, Kohima.
A total of 109 farmers from 4 districts covering 24 villages of Nagaland attended the programme.
