Photo Courtesy: ICAR–National Research Centre (NRC) on Mithun.
Medziphema, March 15 (MExN): A national seminar on “Sustainable Pathways for Scaling Oilseed Production in the Northeastern Region of India” was organised by the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre in collaboration with the ICAR–Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (IIOR), Hyderabad at the ICAR–National Research Centre (NRC) on Mithun.
Welcoming the participants, Dr H Kalita, Head of ICAR Nagaland Centre, highlighted the importance of enhancing cropping intensity in the NEH region through scientific oilseed cultivation practices. He encouraged farmers to adopt improved technologies to increase productivity and sustainability. The programme also included felicitation of distinguished guests.
Chief Guest Dr R K Mathur, Director of ICAR–IIOR, Hyderabad, emphasised the region’s potential for location-specific oilseed crops and called for adoption of modern production technologies and strengthening of the oilseed value chain to improve farmer income and regional self-sufficiency.
Guest of Honour Dr Girish Patil S., Director of NRC on Mithun, pointed out challenges in oilseed production, including low cropping intensity and reliance on traditional farming methods. He stressed the need for improved varieties, scientific crop management and effective extension support.
Dr Shakuntala I Devi, Dean of the College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, CAU Jalukie, encouraged farmers to integrate oilseeds into their cropping systems to enhance productivity, income and nutritional security in the NEH region.
Dr Harendra Verma, scientist at ICAR Nagaland Centre, highlighted the favourable agro-climatic conditions of the region for oilseed cultivation and advocated the use of improved varieties, efficient resource management and integration with existing cropping systems.
Technical sessions were conducted under two themes. Theme I, “Climate-Resilient Technological Innovations and Production Strategies for Improving Oilseed Productivity,” featured presentations by Md A Aziz Qureshi and Dr Harish Prakash Meena of ICAR–IIOR and Dr Mukul Deka of Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat.
Theme II, titled “Post-Harvest Management, Value Addition, Animal Nutrition and Oilseed Value Chain Development,” included speakers Dr Praduman Yadav, Dr K Ramesh (ICAR–IIOR), Dr Pezangulie Chakrumo (Nagaland University), Dr Laishram Sunita Devi (NRC on Mithun) and Dr Anuradha Chilwal (ICAR–Indian Institute of Integrated Research in Grains).
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Harendra Verma. A total of 150 participants, including 50 farmers, attended the seminar. Inputs such as khurpis and other essentials were distributed to farmers to support improved oilseed cultivation, followed by a field visit to farmers’ fields.
