The ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat, today successfully concluded its two-day Awareness Programme-cum-Field Day on "Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Livelihood Improvement of SCSP Farmers in Manipur" at Khurkhul Village, Imphal West District, Manipur. The programme was organized under the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture–Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan. The primary objective of the programme is to disseminate climate-resilient agricultural technologies developed under the NICRA initiative including drought-tolerant crop varieties, rainwater harvesting structures, conservation tillage practices, and integrated nutrient and pest management modules to Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan beneficiary farmers through structured interactive sessions and on-farm demonstrations.
        The initiative forms part of the Institute's ongoing efforts to extend the reach of agricultural research to farmers in remote and underserved locations and was executed under the supervision and leadership of Dr. Soibam Basanta Singh, Head, Regional Centre, ICAR Manipur Centre. In his address, Dr. Soibam Basanta Singh stressed the imperative of reviving community ponds to ensure water conservation and underscored the strategic importance of millets and pulse crops in crop diversification initiatives.
        Addressing the gathering at the concluding session, Dr. Ayam Gangarani Devi, Senior Scientist, ICAR Manipur centre, presented a comprehensive overview of the programme and highlighted the objectives and achievements of the NICRA initiative. She noted that the initiative has been instrumental in addressing climate change through dedicated research, technology development, and the dissemination of climate-resilient technologies among vulnerable farming communities. Dr. Devi further underscored the urgent necessity of sensitizing farmers to the recent climatic shift attributable to the El Niño phenomenon and elaborated upon the available adaptation strategies. She emphasized the adoption of a holistic approach, considering the food, land, and water nexus, for strengthening system resilience in the face of a changing climate.
        Among the distinguished invitees, Dr. L. Kanta Singh, Senior Scientist-cum-Head, Imphal West, ICAR Manipur Centre, attended the programme and briefed the participants on measures to strengthen the linkage between farmers and agricultural scientists as a contingency mechanism to mitigate the adverse effects of the recent El Niño event. Dr. Kh. Rishikanta Singh, Senior Scientist, apprised the farmers of the various central government schemes available to them, including the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and the PM-KISAN scheme. Dr. Arati Ningombam delivered a technical session on integrated pest management and control measures in field crops, equipping the farmers with field-ready techniques for adoption.
        Dr. E. Lamalakshmi Devi, and Dr. Konsam Sarika, outlined the improved crop varieties released by ICAR and urged the farmers to adopt the same in view of the prevailing and anticipated climatic adversities. Dr. T. Basanta Singh, Scientist, emphasized the foundational role of soil in crop productivity and advised the farmers on the sustainable and judicious use of agro-chemicals, water conservation practices, and measures for strengthening overall soil health.
        Dr. N. Umakanta highlighted ICAR's efforts to develop climate-resilient crop varieties through biotechnological interventions. As part of the industry–institutional partnership, Smt. Nirmala Maibam of Green Biotech Ecosolutions Pvt. Ltd. demonstrated the application of bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides for sustainable resource use in agriculture. A notable highlight of the concluding day was the active and enthusiastic participation of over 60 women farmers from Khurkhul Village. The engagement of women farmers in the technical sessions and field demonstrations is reflective of the increasing role of women in driving climate-resilient agricultural practices at the grassroots level. Their participation underscores the Institute's commitment to inclusive agricultural development and reaffirms that meaningful participation of women is indispensable to building resilient and sustainable farming communities.
        The programme received institutional support from Dr. Krishnappa Rangappa, Principal Investigator, NICRA, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, who facilitated the procurement of critical inputs necessary for building crop resilience among the beneficiary farmers. The agri-inputs including drought-tolerant rice variety RC Maniphou 15, bio-fertilisers, bio-pesticides, improved disease-resistant vegetable seed kits developed by the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, Oilseeds and leaflets on climate-resilient agriculture. The programme marked another step in the ICAR Manipur Centre's ongoing efforts to strengthen climate-resilient farming systems in Manipur through research, technology transfer, demonstration of improved practices, and farmer empowerment. The active involvement of women farmers at the concluding day at Khurkhul Village is expected to serve as a catalyst for the wider adoption of climate-resilient practices in similar rural settings.