Workshop on ‘Maize as food -feed crop’ organized at ICAR Tripura Centre
The ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Tripura Centre, Lembucherra in collaboration with ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR), Ludhiana organized a two days workshop cum training programme on "Maize as food -feed crop for farmers' prosperity' during 29 Feb to 01 March, 2020 at ICAR Tripura Centre Lembucherra, Agartala. Farmers- Scientists interaction programme was organized to clarify various queries raised by the farmers and also disseminate improved maize production technology. A field day on maize was also organized to showcase improved maize production practices like high yielding varieties/hybrids, inter cropping systems etc. to the farmers. Shri Tinku Roy, Chairman, Tripura Industrial Development Corporation (TIDC), Agartala was the Chief Guest of the Inaugural Function on 29 Feb, 2020. More than 300 maize farmers from different Districts of Tripura participated in the programme. Dr. Biswajit Das, Joint Director, ICAR Tripura Centre presided over the inaugural function and delivered welcome address. In his welcome address, Dr. B Das appraised the Chief Guest about the various research and extension activities of the Tripura Centre. Dr. Anup Das, Principal Scientist & Organizing Secretary of the workshop gave a brief account of the various activities undertaken by the Centre for the promotion of Maize in Tripura. He informed the gathering that about 200 ha maize demonstration activities are being undertaken by the ICAR Tripura Centre in active collaboration with KVKs, State Deptts, NGOs, Farmers club in the state. So far more than 5000 kg maize seeds of improved varieties/Hybrids made available to the farmers. About 15000 kg fertilizer is also being provided to the farmers under ICAR- IIMR, Ludhiana sponsored maize project for promotion of maize in Tripura. Training and practical demonstration on improved maize cultivation practices are also provided to the farmers. During the Inaugural function, Chief Guest distributed recognition certificates to 25 innovative maize farmers for their contributions to improve maize farming in the state of Tripura. A bulletin on Opportunity of Maize in Tripura: Package of practices, research application and capacity building was also released by the Chief Guest and other dignitaries on the Occasion. Two other extension leaflets on cage culture in fish and heat stress management in poultry were also released on the occasion by the guests. Seeds of maize, vegetables, farm tools (power sprayer) were also distributed among the farmers by the guests. During the occasion, Chief Guest also inaugurated an exhibition to showcase improved technologies for doubling farmers’ income. Shri Tinku Roy, during his address appreciated the efforts of farmers and the ICAR for promoting improved package of practices for maize production in Tripura. He stressed that with the joint effort of ICAR, Department of Agriculture, and farmers, in future it may be possible to establish some feed industries in Tripura which will help poultry, pig, fish, livestock farmers to enhance their income due to reduction in cost due to saving on transportation and availability of quality feed in door step. He was happy to note that farmers are earning 20,000 to 30,000/kani from maize as against 10000 to 15000/kani from rice. He appraised the farmers and gathering about various schemes of Government of India for improving livelihood of poor farmers. Shri Roy assured all possible help for the benefit of farmers in the state and asked ICAR to work in close collaboration with State Departments for achieving the target of doubling farmers’ income by 2022. Dr. Gulab Singh Yadav, Scientist, Agronomy and Co-organizing Secretary, Offered the vote of thanks. Dr. Yadav informed that during last 5 years or so maize area in the state has enhanced by more than 5 times due to effort of ICAR, State Government, KVKs and others. During two days event, farmers were provided hands on in nutrient management, liming, sowing, intercropping practices, pests and disease management by the experts and scientists.
