A training programme on ‘Bio-intensive Plant Health Management for Important Vegetable Crops in North East India‘ was organized recently under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) by the Division of Crop Science, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, stated a press release.
A total of 35 farmers from Pynthor village, an adopted village under Network Project on Organic Farming (NPOF) of Ri-Bhoi district, attended the programme. The three-day training programme elaborated on identification of important insect pests and diseases of major vegetables crops, in this region and their bio-intensive management practices have been discussed through series of lectures for promoting organic farming in the State. Practical demonstrations on insect pests and diseases of vegetables crops were also conducted at farmer’s field for better understanding of the farmers.
Dr Bijoya Bhattacharjee, Head, Division of Crop Science addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of organic pest management for sustainable agricultural production, conservation of biodiversity and pollution free environment. Inputs like vegetables seeds, bio-pesticides and fruit flies trapping kit were provided to the farmers. Farmer-scientist interaction occupied an important part of the programme, where the queries of the farmers were answered by the scientists from ICAR.
The Agribusiness Incubation Centre, ICAR Research Complex, had also organized a one-day workshop on Farmer Producer Organization (FPO) and Start-up to create market linkage for the agricultural produce locally available in the region. The programme was organized in collaboration with a-IDEA, NAARM, Hyderabad.
Dr VK Mishra, Director, ICAR, Umiam in his inaugural address said that the farmers should produce quality products so that it can have its own brand. This will help the region and its specialty products will attract national and international buyers and bring inclusive development of the region through FPOs. The workshop was attended James P George, Deputy General Manager, NABARD Shillong, as guest of honour where he emphasized on formation of FPOs in the region for better marked-led operations.