ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources Regional Station Shillong, Umiam organised three days programme on “Capacity building programme on conservation and management of Plant Genetic Resources for sustainable agriculture” during 24th to 26th March, 2025. The program was organised with the aim to raise awareness among the 230 farmer attendees (205 female and 25 male) about the importance of local germplasm available in their areas. During the three days program, Dr. Subarna Hajong, Scientist, ICAR -NBPGR RS Shillong, Umiam welcomed the farmers and highlighted the objectives of the program. She also spoke about continuous risks of genetic erosion faced by local crop germplasm due to various factors viz. climate change, deforestation, introduction of new and uniform varieties etc. and the importance of traditional practices for conservation of these local crop germplasm. Dr. Harish GD, Sr. scientist, ICAR -NBPGR RS Shillong, Umiam spoke about the diversity of crops available in the region and different methods used for their conservation. Dr. M Bilashini Devi, Sr. Scientist, ICAR RC for NEH Region, Umiam delivered a lecture on “Organic cultivation of turmeric”, while Dr. Badapmain Makdoh, Sr. Scientist, ICAR RC for NEH Region, Umiam delivered a lecture on “Integrated farming system for enhancing profitability, employment and environment sustainability in hilly ecosystem”. Farmers also brought local germplasm of various crops grown in the region for display. During the program, various inputs like Tarpaulin, Garden hose water pipes, Cotton peak cap, Weed remover, Hand fork, Maize sheller and Farmers’s kit were distributed to the participating farmers.
(Source: Dr Subarna Hajong, Scientist, ICAR-NBPGR RS Shillong, Umiam).
