One day (22 March, 2025) workshop on “Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) Conservation Awareness Programme” was organized by ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi and ICAR-NBPGR Regional Station, Shillong, Meghalaya for sensitization of village farmers about the landraces significance. The workshop aimed to aware farmers on the importance of preserving these traditional varieties, which not only contribute to biodiversity but also enhance food security. Participants engaged in discussions about sustainable farming practices and shared their experiences in cultivating local landraces. Day long workshop was inaugurated by Dr. D.P. Semwal, Principal Scientist, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi, who graced the event as the Chief Guest. The programme witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 100 farmers, more than 80% women farmer including headman (Chairman), from the Kongripara village of Ri Bhoi district of Meghalaya. All the local assistance and resources were mobilized by Dr. Harish GD, Sr. Scientist, ICAR-NBPGR RS, Shillong for this programme, he emphasized on conservation of local landraces of different crops as the need of the hour. Dr. Subarna Hajong has explained about local landraces importance and its role in germplasm conservation. She also mentioned significance of farmer landraces (indigenous germplasm) of different crops in the current cultivation practices. She explained about status of plant genetic resources in North eastern region of the country. Dr. Semwal 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. He has emphasized that in any natural calamities that happen in this region, as per procedure, the seeds will be given to the district agriculture officer of the particular area for the multiplication and distribution of seeds to local farmers. The farmers have interacted with the Scientists of ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi and Regional Station, Shillong, Meghalaya. The farm implements and farmer’s kit were distributed to the beneficiary farmers under NEH Sub-Plan (NEH scheme). The programme was concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Mr. Gaurav, Technical Assistant, ICAR-NBPGR Regional Station, Shillong, Meghalaya.
