PASIGHAT, Oct 31: A one-day training programme on scientific cultivation of buckwheat, along with distribution of agricultural inputs to farmers under the Front-Line Demonstration (FLD) programme, was organised at the College of Horticulture and Forestry (CHF), Pasighat, on Saturday.
The programme was jointly organised by CHF and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), East Siang, under Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, with financial support from the All India Coordinated Research Network (AICRN) on Potential Crops, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi.
The training aimed to familiarise farmers with scientific cultivation practices, soil fertility management, climate-resilient technologies, quality seed production, post-harvest processing and value addition. It also highlighted buckwheat's potential to improve farmers' income, nutritional security and sustainable agricultural production in the foothills of Arunachal Pradesh.
Addressing the programme, Prof L Wangchu, Dean, CHF, highlighted the economic and nutritional importance of buckwheat and its suitability for cultivation in the foothills. He stressed the need for scientific practices, quality seed availability and institutional support to enhance farmers' income.
Dr SK Yadav, Principal Scientist and Nodal Officer, AICRN on Potential Crops, ICAR-NBPGR, emphasised the role of potential and underutilised crops in strengthening climate resilience, nutritional security and livelihood opportunities in the North Eastern Himalayan region.
Dr Brijendra Singh Rajawat, Principal Scientist and Head of KVK East Siang, underscored the importance of farmer-centric technologies, frontline demonstrations and effective extension strategies to improve agricultural productivity.
Gumin Megu, member of the Board of Management, CAU, Imphal, also attended the programme. The inaugural session began with a welcome address by Dr P Debnath, Professor and Chief Organising Secretary, while Dr Rajib Das, Assistant Professor, highlighted the role of research, demonstrations and extension activities in promoting potential crops.
The technical session, held under the theme “Scientific Cultivation of Buckwheat for Enhancing Farmers' Income”, featured expert lectures by scientists and faculty members on different aspects of buckwheat cultivation and its economic potential.
Agricultural inputs were distributed to participating farmers under the FLD programme to encourage the adoption of improved cultivation practices. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr T Riba, Subject Matter Specialist, KVK East Siang.