A one-day workshop on the theme “Conservation of Agro-Biodiversity” was successfully organized on 19 January 2026 at Village Siltona, Block Betalghat, District Nainital, Uttarakhand, under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP). The programme was jointly organized by ICAR–National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), Regional Station, Bhowali and the Department of Agriculture, District Nainital. The workshop was addressed by Dr Mamta Arya and Dr Rahul Dev, Senior Scientists, ICAR–NBPGR, Bhowali. The speakers highlighted the importance of conserving traditional crop varieties and indigenous seeds for ensuring food and nutritional security, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods of hill farmers. Emphasis was laid on the role of farmers as custodians of agro-biodiversity and the need for on-farm conservation of landraces adapted to local agro-climatic conditions. Mr Jitendra Kumar, Block In-charge (Agriculture), Department of Agriculture, shared information on various departmental schemes and encouraged farmers to avail benefits for strengthening sustainable agricultural practices. Mr Manohar Adhikari, associated with organic farming initiatives, emphasized the integration of organic and natural farming practices with traditional seed conservation. The programme witnessed active participation from local leadership, including Mrs Kiran Arya, Gram Pradhan, Siltona; Mrs Vimla Arya, Gram Pradhan, Byasi; Mr Mukesh Garjoli, Gram Pradhan, Garjola; Mr Kishan Ram, former Block Pramukh; and Mr Vijay Kumar, BDC Member, who shared their views on the relevance of conserving local agricultural heritage. Officials from ICAR–NBPGR, including Mr Dayal Singh Bisht, Mr Gopal Singh, and Mr Girish Chandra, and from the Department of Agriculture, Nainital, including Mr Ritesh Kandpal, Mr Anoop Negi, Ms Neha Kandpal, and Ms Babita Upreti, were present during the programme. The technical sessions were followed by an interactive discussion with farmers, focusing on local challenges and practical solutions related to agro-biodiversity conservation. Agricultural implements were also distributed to farmers to support their farming activities. The workshop saw participation of more than 150 farmers and villagers from three gram panchayats, reflecting strong community engagement. The programme was smoothly conducted under the coordination of Mr Ujjwal Upreti, Assistant Agriculture Officer. The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Mamta Arya, who acknowledged the cooperation of farmers, local representatives, and organizing institutions, and reiterated the importance of collective efforts for conserving traditional seeds and strengthening community-based agro-biodiversity conservation initiatives.
-Dr Mamta Arya
