DIMAPUR, DECEMBER 18 (MExN): Under the aegis of KVK Zonal Coordinating Unit-III, Barapani, Meghalaya, a workshop on Opportunities in production of quality protein maize (QPM) and F1 hybrid seed” in North Eastern Region was organized at NRC on Mithun, Jarnapani, Nagaland on December 16, 2008. QPM is the hybrid of the ordinary maize developed by the Directorate of Maize Research, ICAR, New Delhi which is stated to have the potential to revolutionize the maize production and in turn livestock production as it is the major constituent of the livestock feed. A note from the NRC-M) stated that with the new hybrid, the production of maize which is the second largest cereal crop in North East Region can be increased to 4-6 fold, i. e. from 1200 kg/ha to 8000-10000 kg/ha. The hybrid also three times higher in lysine and tryptophane content and has higher digestibility than normal maize.
The meeting in Jarnapani was attended by 27 KVKs of north east with the aim to introduce QPM in the region. Dr. S. Das, Directorate of Maize Research, ICAR, New Delhi was the Chief Guest and the key speaker on the subject. He discussed the opportunities of QPM in the region and assured that this crop can bring about phenomenal change in the nutritional status of human and livestock population of the region. Guest of Honour, Dr. V. Subramanium, Zonal Coordiantor, ZC Unit III Barapani, Meghalaya expressed that a large volume of hybrid seeds would be required to meet the challenge and added that not only QPM grain production but QPM seed production should also be taken care of by the farmers and KVK scientists.
Program coordinator, R. K Singh presented the status of maize in Nagaland and presented his experience on the trial conducted in Phek district on QPM. He informed that a production of 4700 kg/ha could be achieved despite late sowing. The program ended with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Deka, program coordinator KVK Karbi Anglong, Assam.
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