National Workshop cum Brainstorming Session on “Unleashing the Hidden Potential of Maize Technology in NEH Region” inaugurated at ICAR Manipur Centre
In order to reveal the potentialities of maize cultivation in North Eastern Hill (NEH) region and chalk out future road maps for its popularization, a two days National Workshop cum Brainstorming Session on “Unleashing the Hidden Potential of Maize Technology in NEH Region: Status, Options and Strategies” is being organized by ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam in collaboration with ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research, Ludhiana at ICAR Manipur Centre. The National Workshop cum Brainstorming session was inaugurated by Shri Y. Joykumar Singh, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Manipur as Chief Guest. The occasion was also graced by Dr. N. Prakash, Director, ICAR RC NEH, Umiam; Dr. I. Meghachandra Singh, Joint Director, ICAR Manipur Centre; Dr. S.L. Jat, Coordinator, ICAR-IIMR, NEH Maize Programme; Dr. M.A. Ansari, Scientist and Organizing Secretary along with Joint Directors and Scientists from Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Sikkim, Tripura and Nagaland Regional Centres of ICAR RC NEH. In his address, Chief Guest Shri Y. Joykumar Singh, stressed upon the need to undertake concerted efforts to increase the cropping intensity in the state by defining the suitable alternative crops in addition to conventional rice cultivation. He highlighted the importance of maize as essential feed ingredient for poultry, piggery and fisheries in addition to the normal human consumption and as a sustainable crop in the upland hills of Manipur. He highlighted the importance of conservation of water resources and tapping the irrigation potential so that baby corn, sweet corn cultivation can be undertaken in NEH region in general and Manipur, in particular. Dr. S.L. Jat briefed about the potentialities of quality Protein Maize (QPM) and Specialty corn for increasing the sustainability and livelihood of farmer’s community of NEH region. He also focused on the needs of varietal introduction in these regions and claimed that NEH region can be a hub for Organic maize. Dr. N. Prakash highlighted the importance of maize in textile, adhesive, corrugating and paper industries as well as animal and fish feeds. Dr. I Meghachandra Singh welcomed all the dignitaries and participants and ensured that this two days’ workshop cum Brainstorming Session will come out with useful recommendations and strategies for enhancing area under maize cultivation in the region. The inaugural program ended with the vote of thanks by Dr. M. A. Ansari. Around 150 farmers from all the districts of Manipur and 50 delegates are participating in the workshop.
