ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat, Imphal -795004, Manipur, organized a “Farmer–Scientist Interaction cum Input Distribution Programme under the NEH Component” on 28th March, 2026 at its campus.
        The programme was graced by Shri Tongbram Robindro Singh, Hon’ble MLA, Thanga Constituency, Government of Manipur, as Chief Guest. Dr. Jogendra Singh, Principal Scientist and Dr. Satish Kumar, Senior Scientist from ICAR–Indian Institute of Wheat and Barley Research (IIWBR), Karnal, Haryana attended as Guests of Honour. The programme was presided over by Dr. S. Basanta Singh, Head of Regional Centre, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre.
        In his address, the Chief Guest emphasized the critical role of farmers in ensuring food and nutritional security of the state. He advocated for diversification through scientific fish culture, backyard poultry farming, and highlighted the importance of ICAR’s interventions in strengthening rural livelihoods.
        During the programme, Dr. S. Basanta Singh highlighted that nearly 50–60% of the area under HYVs of rice in the state has been occupied by varieties developed by ICAR Manipur Centre, underscoring the institute’s pivotal role in enhancing farmers’ income and livelihood security through location-specific technologies.
        Dr. Jogendra Singh and Dr Satish Kumar emphasized the potential of wheat cultivation in rice fallows with one supplemental irrigation, promoting it as a viable strategy for increasing cropping intensity. They also discussed the scope for makhana cultivation and its commercialization, and elaborated on the use of seed portals for efficient seed distribution systems.
        A large number of farmers from eleven districts of Manipur actively participated in the programme, making it a vibrant platform for interaction and knowledge exchange. During the technical sessions, scientists addressed various field-level challenges and provided practical, research-based solutions. Special emphasis was laid on climate-resilient agricultural practices and improved crop production technologies suitable for the region.
        The programme also featured the distribution of quality agricultural inputs, including poultry chicks, fish fingerlings, piglets, biofertilizers, shed nets, vegetable seeds, and rice seeds, aimed at enhancing farm productivity and livelihood improvement. On this occasion, an informative folder titled “Scientific Cultivation of Potato” was also released for the benefit of farmers.
        The interactive sessions significantly strengthened the linkage between scientists and farmers, fostering better understanding of farmers’ needs and promoting demand-driven research and extension approaches. The programme reinforced ICAR’s commitment towards effective technology dissemination and sustainable agricultural development in the North Eastern Hill (NEH) region.