Three days training programme on Exploring the potential of underutilized crop in NEH Region
ICAR Research Complex for NEH region, Umiam organized three days training programme on Exploring the potential of underutilized crop in NEH region from 27th-29th January, 2021 at Plant Breeding section, ICAR-RC-NEH Region, Umiam under AICRN on Potential crops. The objective of the programme was to create awareness on cultivation of underutilized crops among the farmers to generate farm income and dietary incorporation in the food habits of the famers for nutritional security. Around 50 farmers from Mynsian village participated in the programme, The programme was coordinated by Dr. Amit Kumar, Dr. Philanim W. S, Dr. Aochen C and Ms. Nivedita Shettigar. The training programme was inaugurated by Dr V.K. Mishra, Director, ICAR-RC-NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya and on his welcome note he expressed concerns for farmers and stressed on the importance of potential crops for nutritional balance as well as income generation. Dr V.K. Verma (Sr. Scientist, Horticulture) elucidated the importance of underutilized vegetable crops and incorporation of nutritious vegetables in the daily diets of the farmers. Dr Rajappa J.J. (Scientist, Agroforestry) explained the use of tree bean as a multipurpose crop. He also discussed about the culinary purposes and the cultivation prospects of treebean. Dr. Ruth Assumi (Scientist, Horticulture) encouraged the farmers on the incorporation of potential cops in their food system and various processed products that can be prepared from it. Dr Amit Kumar (Scientist, Plant Breeding) shed a light on the different kinds of renumerative underutilized cereal crops that are available and can be cultivated in farmers field for income generation. Ms Nivedita Shettigar (Scientist, Plant Breeding) has encouraged the farmers on crop diversification with underutilized crop for improving soil fertility, nutritional security and revenue generation. Dr Philanim W.S. (Scientist, Plant Breeding) explained about the different types of potential legumes that are available, its cultivation aspects, nutritional health benefits and ways of incorporation into the culinary of the farmers kitchen. Dr C Aochen (Scientist, Biochemistry) stressed on the importance of perilla as a potential oilseed crop and food products that can be prepared from perilla. Practical demonstration and hands on preparations of various food items including job’s tears porridge and perilla pancake in participatory mode was carried out. The Farmers were served with prepared items and their feedbacks were taken. Satisfactory responses were received from the farmers on the various products that were prepared and they expressed their desires to use the methods in their homes too. Plant breeding upland farm visit was also conducted and various rabi crops like mustard, lentil, faba bean were demonstrated. The programme ended with an open interaction between the scientists and farmers. Perilla seeds and jobs tears seeds were distributed to the farmers at the end of the training in order to encourage the farmers to grow such underutilized crops in their fields.
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Three days training programme on exploring the potential of underutilized crop in NEH region at Plant Breeding section, ICAR-RC-NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya |
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Dr V.K. Mishra, Director, ICAR-RC-NEH Region, Umiam interacting with the farmers |
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