Demonstrations cum distribution ‘Promotion of seed spices in the northeastern hills region’ and Field monitoring of Rabi season crops

Two demonstration cum seed distribution programme on ‘Promotion of seed spices in the northeastern hills region’ was conducted in two villages, i.e., Sarikhusi and Mawtnum by the Division of Horticulture, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam in collaboration with ICAR National Research Centre for Seed Spices, Ajmer, Rajasthan and Farmer’s FIRST Project, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region under the project ‘Collaborative Research and Developmental activities for promotion of seed spices varieties/ technologies in NEH Region’ on the 10th December, 2020. Twenty four (24 nos.) interested growers from villages, Lalumpam (03 nos.), Mawphrew (02 nos.), Mawtnum (08 nos.) and Sarikhusi (11 no.) of Marngar area attended the programme. A technical knowhow on cultivation of spices ranging from land preparation, seed treatments, sowing, cultural practices, harvesting, pest and diseases management and processing of seed spices were disseminated. In addition, importance and scope of seed spices cultivation in the NEH Region were highlighted during discussion at farm. Interaction and discussion found that seed spices such as Dill (Anethum graveolens), nigella (Nigella sativa) and ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) were exotic to the farmers. Seed materials of coriander (02 kg), dill (05 kg), nigella (05 kg) and ajwain (04 kg) were distributed to the growers. Dr. H. Rymbai (Scientist) delivered a vote of thanks to the Director of the Institute and Dr. Gopal lal (Director, ICAR-NRC Seed Spices, Ajmer, Rajasthan) and Dr. Sumer Singh Meena (Pr. Scientist & Nodal Officer of the collaborative project) for funding and supply of seeds. The programme was coordinated by Dr. V.K. Verma (Sr. Scientist), Dr. H. Rymbai (Scientist), A. Barman (SRF- Farmers’ FIRST Project) and L. Khongrymmai (Field Assistant- Farmers’ FIRST Project), ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam. After the programme, a field monitoring was conducted to follow up the ongoing activities under the Horticulture component- Rabi season vegetables including cole crops.

 
Spice seed distribution at Sarikhusi and Mawtnum villages
 
 
Nursery raising of cole crops