ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi in collaboration with District Agriculture Department, South West Garo Hills, Ampati, organised a one-day programme on “Awareness Camp on Utilization and Conservation of Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture” on 27th March, 2025. The program was intended to raise awareness among the farmers of the region about the importance of the local germplasm in supporting their food and nutritional security and economic stability. During the program, Mr. Phukan Hajong, the Agriculture Development Officer, South West Garo Hills, Ampati welcomed the farmers and gave a brief introduction about the program. Dr. Subarna Hajong, Scientist, ICAR -NBPGR RS Shillong, highlighted the objectives of the program and briefed the farmers about the mandated activities of ICAR-NBPGR. She also spoke about the importance of local crop germplasm, the opportunities for speciality products and its potential to derive economic benefits. Dr. Pavan Kumar Malav, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi, spoke about the role of NBPGR in collection of indigenous germplasm and on-farm conservation of plant genetic resources and conservation of local crop germplasms for food security. Dr. K. P. Mohapatra, Principal Scientist, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi interacted with the farmers and addressed the issues faced by the farmers in ginger, turmeric, guava and agroforestry tree species. Farmers displayed the local germplasm of different field crops grown in the region. During the program, ergonomically designed farm implements for reducing drudgery like wheel hoe, secateurs, hand hoe, garden rake, sickle, spade etc. were provided to the participating farmers. Farmers shared their knowledge about the diversity of crop germplasm available in the area and their loss over the years. (Source: Dr. K.P. Mohapatra, Principal Scientist, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi & Dr Subarna Hajong, Scientist, ICAR-NBPGR RS Shillong, Umiam).
