ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi has successfully organised a two day farmer’s training programme on “Organic Farming, Vermiculture, Mushroom Cultivation, and Plant Genetic Resources Conservation Awareness” during March 6th to 7th, 2025 in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Naapam, Tezpur, Sonitpur, Assam under the NEH Sub-Plan. The programme aimed to equip local farmers with practical skills for sustainable agriculture and successful entrepreneurship.
First day programme started with inaugural session commenced with a warm welcome by Dr. Angana Sarmah, Head, KVK Naapam. She has given an overview of the programmes and activities of the KVK for the benefit of the farmers. It was followed by a detailed overview of training programme and farmers centric works being carried out by ICAR-NBPGR, by Dr. SP Ahlawat, Principal Scientist, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi. Dr. Pradip Kumar Bora, Director, NERIWALM, Tezpur graced the occasion as the chief guest. The chief guest delivered insightful speech on soil and water conservation, along with organic and natural farming practices. Mr. Soyimchiten, Scientist, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi, extended the vote of thanks.
The first day saw an enthusiastic participation of 75 farmers, notably a strong presence of women (65) alongside 10 male participants. Technical sessions focused on vermiculture, expertly presented by Dr. Bikram Borkotoki, Soil Scientist, College of Agriculture (AAU), Biswanath. Dr. SP Ahlawat, emphasized the critical importance of in-situ, on-farm conservation of landraces, farmer varieties, and community seed banks. Participants actively engaged in practical demonstrations of vermiculture and other activities of KVK, and received comprehensive input kits.
The second day continued the momentum, with another 75 farmers registering, including 50 women and 25 men. Dr. Ranjit Bordoloi, SMS Fisheries Science, KVK Naapam, delivered the welcome address, and Dr. SP Ahlawat outlined the day’s agenda. Technical sessions delved into mushroom production techniques, led by Dr. Himadri Rabha, SMS, KVK Udalguri. Dr. Namita Dutta, SMS, Soil Science, gave detailed lecture on vermiculture and organic farming. Dr. SP Ahlawat reinforced the importance of plant genetic resources conservation. Practical demonstrations of vermiculture and mushroom production were conducted. Both days featured interactive sessions with subject experts, feedback sessions, and concluding votes of thanks by Mr. Soyimchiten.
The training programme successfully imparted valuable knowledge and practical skills, highlighting the strong interest of women farmers in adopting natural and sustainable practices. The practical and interactive sessions proved highly productive, fostering a collaborative learning environment. The distribution of essential inputs like Vermibed along-with live red earthworms, mushroom spawn (oyster), knapsack sprayer, tarpaulin, sickle, spade and training kit etc. to all the participating farmers will facilitate immediate implementation of the learned techniques. This programme’s success underscores the effectiveness of the collaboration between ICAR-NBPGR and KVK Sonitpur in promoting sustainable agricultural development in the region.
