Field Day on pulse production in rice fallow organized at ICAR
To celebrate the International Year of Pulses 2016, Crop Production Division of ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam organized a field Day on ‘Pulse production in rice fallow’ under Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) on 10th March, 2016 at ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill (NEH) Region, Umiam, Meghalaya. The field day was organized to create awareness about pulses among farmers and disseminate information regarding no-till pulse cultivation techniques in rice fallow.
A total of 250 farmers across 15 villages of Meghalaya participated in the programme. The programme was started with the welcome address by Dr. D.J. Rajkhowa, Head, Division of Crop Production. Addressing the gathering, he said that pulses are rich source of protein and can be easily grown under rice fallow conditions. Pulses improves soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen and hence the farmers need to adopt the technology in the region. The Director of the institute, Dr. S. V. Ngachan spoke on the occasion that pulses are major component to a balanced diet. India is importing pulses from the neighboring countries mainly from Myanmar. He urged the farmers to grow pulses like pea, lentil, French bean etc. for betterment of their livelihood and increased income. He further added that the institute is for them and the scientists are putting their best efforts for developing pulse production technology for hill farming. The guest of honor for the occasion, Dr. K. Mamocha Singh, Dean, CPGS, CAU, Umiam urged the farmers to utilize the resources available in the region and to adopt the scientific technology for sustainable yield. Dr. Satish Chandra, Head, Division of Crop Protection spoke about ecofriendly management of insect pest and diseases of pulses. A presentation on “Production technology of lentil and pea in No-till rice fallow” was delivered by Dr. Jayanta Layek for better understanding among the farmers.
Leaflets on ‘No-till Lentil Production in Rice Fallow for North Eastern Hill Region’ in English and Khasi language were released during the programme and distributed among farmers. For demonstration on zero tillage cultivation of pea and lentil in lowland rice fallow, field visit as well as practical demonstration was done under supervision of Dr. Ramkrushna GI and Dr. Avinash Pandey. A scientists and farmers interaction programme was organized regarding various aspects of pulse production in the region. The farmers interacted with the experts and enquired about improved seed, production technology and insect pest and disease management options. The programme was concluded with promise of every possible help from ICAR to popularize the pulse cultivation in NEH region. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Ramkrushna GI, Dr. Jayanta Layek, Dr. Avinash Pandey and Dr. Krishnappa R.
Leaflets on No till Lentil Production in Rice Fallow released Practial demonstration in the field
Farmers along with the ICAR Scientist
