A programme on “Plant Genetic Resources Conservation and Utilization and biodiversity fair for tribal community” was organized by ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi at at CAU-College of Horticulture, Bermiok, Sikkim on November 30, 2024. The programme was attended by 200 farmers (including 48 women) of seven villages of Bermiok tehsil, Sikkim. In this programme, the need and importance of conservation of eroding traditional crop landraces, community seed bank and utilization of these germplasm were explained by the resource persons. All the local assistance and resources were mobilized by Dr. Yamuna Pandey & Dr. Nangsol D. Bhutia (Asst. Prof. College of Horticulture, Bermiok, Sikkim) for this programme. Dr. P.K. Singh, Principal Scientist & Head (ICAR-NBPGR) explained about ICAR-NBPGR role in germplasm collection from across the country. He also mentioned significance of farmer varieties (indigenous germplasm) of different crops in the current cultivation practices. Further he explained about the importance of local varieties viz. chilli, kiwi, tomato, beans and other varieties of the field crops and need of their conservation and utilization in crop improvement. Emphasis was also given on cultivation of climate resilient crops. He explained about necessity of community seed bank (CSB) at village Panchayat level so that farmers also maintained seed chain at farms and to attain the food and nutritional requirements.
Dr. D.P. Semwal, Principal Scientist (ICAR-NBPGR) explained about ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi and its role in germplasm conservation. He also mentioned significance of farmer varieties (indigenous germplasm) of different crops in the current cultivation practices. Further he explained about the importance of local landraces of the field crops and need of their conservation and utilization in crop improvement. Emphasis was also given on cultivation of climate resilient crops. He also mentioned about gene bank requirements of seed samples of self and cross pollinated crops and discussed about future utilization of these seeds. Prof. A.K. Pandey, Dean, College of Horticulture, Bermiok, Sikkim explained about ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi and its role in germplasm collection, conservation and utilization. He also mentioned significance of seed importance at regional and national level and role of indigenous germplasm of different crops in the current cultivation practices and crop improvement programme. Further he explained about the importance of local landraces of the field crops and need of their conservation and utilization in crop improvement. Emphasis was also given on cultivation of climate resilient crops. Mrs. Sanki Bhutia, Panchayat President (Guest of Honour of the programme), Bermiok GPU urged the farmer’s for preservation and conservation of local varieties and crops. She also stressed on conservation and cultivation of local seeds for future generations and appreciate role of ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi for helping local farmers of the Sikkim. The farmers have interacted with the Scientists of ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi and officials of agriculture department, Govt. of Rajasthan. The farm implements (Torch, Tarpaulin, Secateur, Hand hoe), farmers kit and Kiwi plants were distributed to the beneficiary farmers under NEH Sub-Plan (NEH scheme). The programme was concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Dr. Sunil Kumar Chongtham, Asst. Prof. College of Horticulture, Bermiok, Sikkim.
Source: Dr. D.P. Semwal, Principal Scientist, Exploration Division
