ICAR Farmers –scientist interaction has been organized at YMA in Pui, Sialsuk in 9th November, 2017.

 

Farmers –scientist interaction has been organized at YMA in Pui, Sialsuk in 9th November, 2017. ICAR Research complex for NEH Region, Mizoram centre, Department of Agriculture (Crop Husbandry and Research & Extension) jointly organized the programme, to provide technological and information support for doubling farmer’s income by 2022 in Mizoram. Pu. KS Thanga, Honorable State Agriculture Minister- Government of Mizoram graced the programme as Chief Guest with his presence. RL Thanzuala (Jt. Director of Agriculture-R&E) welcomed the gathering and delivered introductory speech.

Scientists from ICAR Kolasib, KVKs and Line department officials discussed on various aspects aspect of field crop production (viz. maize, brinjal, potato and pea) and state level subsidy schemes. A plannery session was organized on the existing farming problems in Mizo-agriculture and their probable solutions, as raised by 91 farmer participants from Sialsuk, Sailam and Samluikhai villages. Pi Zothansangi Silo (District Agriculture Officer, Aizawl) chaired the session.

Breeder seeds of Pea (Kashi, Nandini), Maize (RCM 76) and Potato (Kufri Megha) were distributed along with other inputs (fertilizers, sprayers and kitchen garden vegetable seeds) among participated farmers under Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) by ICAR-NEH, Mizoram Centre.

In his speech, Pu Thanga highlighted the importance of community based breeder seed multiplication programme at farmers’ field under the periodic supervision of respective state KVKs in order to ensure timely supply of quality seed material to the Mizo farmers. He stressed on more active linkage establishment between Tribal Sub plan by ICAR (for supplying quality breeder seed stock) and Seed Village Programme by State Agriculture Department (for their mass multiplication). He also assured for seed storage construction under New Economic Development Policy (NEDP) to the farmers, for storing seeds during off season.