With the aim of raising awareness on the conservation and sustainable use of plant genetic resources, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi in collaboration with Department of Horticulture, North Eastern Hill University, Tura campus, Meghalaya, organized a one-day training program on “Plant Genetic Resources Awareness and Cultivation of Vegetable Crops” at All Garo Hills Multipurpose Co-operative Society (AGHMPCS), Babadam, West Garo Hills on 3rd December 2025. The training program was inaugurated by Shri Vibhor Aggarwal, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, West Garo Hills. Dr. Sunny Josheph, Secretary, AGHMPCS, welcomed the Chief Guest, officials from Department of Horticulture, Tura Campus, NEHU and KVK (Tura), scientists from ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi and the participating farmers. Dr. Subhash Chander, Senior Scientist, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi briefed about the NEH scheme and training program. Dr. Sanyang A. Sangma, Assistant Director of Horticulture, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya informed about the different schemes related to horticulture. Dr. Suman Roy, Senior Scientist, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi briefly discussed about the role and importance of ICAR-NBPGR for conservation of plant genetic resources including traditional landraces and farmer’s varieties. Chief guest of the program urged the farmers to grow and conserve the genetic resources and use of high quality seeds of different vegetable crops for enhancing the productivity and income. During the program, vegetable seed kit were distributed to the farmers to diversify crop production and enhance economic returns.
During the technical session, Dr. Priyadharshani Mahapatra, Assistant Professor (Horticulture), Tura Campus, CAU, Meghalaya given her presentation on “Cultivation of vegetable crops”. Dr. Tabalique Yumkhaibam, Department of Horticulture, Tura Campus, NEHU, Meghalaya discussed about the production technology of okra and bottle gourd. Professor C.P. Suresh, Department of Horticulture, Tura Campus, NEHU, Meghalaya discussed about the advances in the cultivation techniques with reference to chilli and cucumber. Dr. Sanjay Chetry, SMS, KVK Tura, discussed about the cultivation techniques of sweet corn (Zea mays). The training program ended with vote of thanks by Dr. C.P. Suresh, Professor, Department of Horticulture, Tura Campus, NEHU, Meghalaya.
