Tawang, Feb 3: A one-day Plant Genetic Resources awareness programme was organised at Zomkhang Hall, Tawang, to sensitise farmers on the importance of conserving traditional crop diversity and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The programme was inaugurated by Tawang ADC Rinchin Leta, in the presence of Dr KP Mahapatra, Principal Scientist, NBPGR, New Delhi, Dr Kuldeep Tripathy, Senior Scientist, NBPGR, and other dignitaries.
Welcoming the participants, Dr A Tripathy, Head, KVK Tawang, informed that the programme was conducted under the NEH Programme of the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR) in collaboration with KVK Tawang.
Ngawang Chonzom, Director, Farmers Producer Company, highlighted the role of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) in improving farmers’ income and strengthening the rural economy. Around 250 farmers from different parts of Tawang district participated in the programme.
District Kisan Morcha president Tsering Dhondup spoke on various government welfare schemes for farmers and strongly advocated organic farming. Agricultural Development Officer Tashi Lungtan expressed concern over the loss of local crop varieties and urged NBPGR to assist in reviving indigenous seeds.
Addressing the gathering, Dr K.P. Mahapatra stressed the nutritional value and global importance of traditional crops, while Dr Kuldeep Tripathy said NBPGR regularly conducts such programmes across the Northeast to improve crop productivity and farmers’ income.
ADC Rinchin Leta appealed to farmers to adopt organic, zero-chemical farming and requested NBPGR to take special initiatives to preserve traditional seeds of Tawang. Under the input distribution programme, farmers were provided with tools, fruit saplings, and organic manure.