A two-day training program on “PGR Conservation Awareness and Entrepreneurship Development in Areca Nut Cultivation” was successfully held from March 20–21, 2025. This initiative was jointly organized by the ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBPGR), New Delhi, under the NEH Sub-plan, in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, Aromatic, and Medicinal Plants, Mizoram University, Aizawl. The event saw enthusiastic participation from 200 farmers across various areas of Aizawl district. The main goal of the training was to equip farmers with techniques for Areca nut cultivation, creating a sustainable income-generating activity. On Day 1, a PGR training session for 100 farmers on Areca nut cultivation took place in the village of Sakawruichhun, Mizoram. The program began with the registration of farmers, followed by introductory remarks from Prof. Rambir Singh, Head of the Horticulture, Aromatic, and Medicinal Plants Department at Mizoram University. Dr. Pardeep Kumar, Senior Scientist at ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi, discussed the importance of the NEH Sub-plan in enhancing farmers’ income in the NEH region. Dr. V Celia Chalam, Head of the Division of Plant Quarantine at ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi, emphasized the role of NBPGR in the conservation and quarantine of imported germplasm. Prof. Vanlalchhawna, Finance Officer at Mizoram University, graced the event as the chief guest, acknowledging the agricultural support provided by ICAR-NBPGR to improve the living standards of farmers in Mizoram. Mr. Maunzuala, a Research Scholar at Mizoram University, delivered a training lecture on Areca nut cultivation, processing, and marketing in the Mizo language. The event also featured interactive session between farmers and scientists, allowing participants to clarify doubts and learn best practices. The day concluded with the distribution of Areca nut plants, agricultural inputs, and vote of thanks. On Day 2, held on March 21, 2025, the PGR training program for 100 farmers from Aizawl district took place at Mizoram University. After the registration, the program commenced with a welcome address by Prof. BP Mishra, Dean of Earth Science and Natural Resource Management at Mizoram University. Dr. Pardeep Kumar, Senior Scientist at ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi, highlighted the significance of the NEH Sub-plan in boosting farmers’ income across the NEH region. Dr. V Celia Chalam reiterated the importance of ICAR-NBPGR in germplasm exploration, conservation, and quarantine of imported germplasm. The honourable Vice-Chancellor of Mizoram University, Prof. Dibakar Chandra Deka, was the chief guest and urged the farmers to embrace new technologies to boost their income. Mr. Maunzuala delivered the training lecture on Areca nut cultivation, processing, and marketing in Mizo language followed by interaction of farmers and scientists. The program concluded with the distribution of Areca nut plants and agricultural inputs, followed by a vote of thanks by Prof. Rambir Singh. Two days training program successfully disseminated valuable knowledge on Areca nut cultivation, empowering farmers with the skills to be self-sustaining and promoting Areca nut farming as a potential entrepreneurial venture in Mizoram for the livelihood security of farmers.
