Workshop cum brainstorming session organized to Cerebrate International Year of Pulses 2016 at ICAR Complex, Umaim
The year 2016 have been declared as International Year of Pulses (IYP) by the 68th United Nation General Assembly. To cerebrating the International Year of Pulses, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam organized two day workshop cum brainstorming session on ‘Status and strategies for promotion of pulses in North East India’ with a motive towards developing technologies, conducting technology demonstrations to create awareness among farmers and to come up with new ideas in the pulse production to bridge the large gap in demand and production of pulses in the region.
India has made rapid strides in almost all spheres of agriculture after independence through the introduction of new technologies. The food grain production of the country has increased by 5 times, horticultural production by 9.5 times fish by 12.5 times, milk by 8 times and eggs by 39 times making our country self -sufficient. However, the results are not very impressive when it comes to pulse sector, the north eastern region of the country is 80% deficit in pulses requirement. Pulses are the major source of protein in the region and the need of the hour is to take concerned effort to ensure that there is a quantum jump in pulse production.
The inaugural programme of workshop began with the welcome address by Dr. Anup Das, Head, Division of Crop Production. Addressing the gathering, he said that pulses are rich source of protein and can be easily grown under rice and maize fallow conditions. The Assistant Director Agriculture, Nongpoh Mr. B. Shylla added that climate change is a challenge for the people in agriculture and with this workshop and brainstorming sessions he is looking forward to bring some innovative ideas for enhanced growth of pulse in the region. The guest of honor on the occasion Ms. S. Tariang, Deputy Director (Agriculture), Govt. of Meghalaya said that the region has very less area under pulse production and implementation of modern technologies will enhance the productivity. She further urged that the state and the ICAR must join hands for the benefit of the farmers and appreciated the cooperation of ICAR in implementing the NFSM IN Meghalaya.
Dr. S.V. Ngachan, Director of the Institute and Chairman of the programme said that pulses are the major component of a balanced diet. The farmers are facing challenges in pulse production and it is the duty of the research and development agencies to come forward to assist the farmers with appropriate technological support and capacity backup. He emphasized on developing crop calender, proper monitoring, wining confidence of farmers, addressing marketing and processing constraints and developing capacity of the farmers to improve pulses scenario in the region. The other dignitaries present on the occasion and addressed the gathering were Dr. D.J. Rajkhowa, Joint Director, ICAR Nagaland Centre, Dr. N. Prakash, Joint Director, ICAR Manipur Centre and Farmers’ representative Mr. Wallang. Role of pulses in meeting protein requirement, improving soil fertility through atmospheric nitrogen fixing and saving fertilizer nitrogen was emphasized by these speakers. Ensuring availability of good quality location specific seeds has been emphasized by most of the experts. An innovative idea of cultivating pulses such as pigeon pea and soybean on bunds of rice fields was emerged for the promotion of pulses in North Eastern Region. After two days brainstorming, a participatory programme on promotion of pulses will be submitted for funding under Tribal Sub Plan of the Institute. The inaugural session of day one ended with the vote of thanks by Dr. Mokidul Islam, Programme Coordinator, KVK, Ri-Bhoi.
