The ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat, today commenced a two-day Awareness Programme-cum-Field Day on "Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Livelihood Improvement of SCSP Farmers in Manipur" under the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture–Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (NICRA–SCSP) at Andro village in Imphal East district. The primary objective of the programme is to share critical climate-resilient technologies developed under the NICRA programme—namely drought-tolerant crop varieties, rainwater harvesting structures, conservation tillage practices, and integrated nutrient and pest management modules—with SCSP beneficiary farmers through interactive sessions and on-farm demonstrations.
        The initiative forms part of ICAR's efforts to reach farmers in remote locations, and is being carried out under the guidance and leadership of Dr. Soibam Basanta Singh, Head of the Regional Centre, ICAR Manipur Centre. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Ayam Gangarani Devi, Senior Scientist (Plant Physiology), ICAR Manipur, presented an overview of the programme and highlighted the objectives and achievements of the NICRA initiative in addressing climate change through research, technology development, and the dissemination of climate-resilient agricultural technologies for vulnerable farming communities. She underscored the urgent need to sensitize farmers about the recent shift in the climatic regime caused by El Niño and the adaptation strategies available to them.
        Among the invitees, Dr. Y. Prabhabati Devi, Senior Scientist-cum-Head, KVK Andro, attended the programme. Dr. Kh. Rishikanta Singh, Senior Scientist (Agri. Economics), briefed farmers on the available central government schemes, including recent initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and the PM-KISAN scheme. Dr. Arati Ningombam (Entomology) offered practical insights into pest management and control measures in field crops, equipping farmers with field-ready techniques. Dr. E. Lamalakshmi Devi, Senior Scientist (Plant Breeding), and Dr. N Umakanta (Agriculture Biotechnology) outlined the improved crop varieties released by ICAR and urged the farmers to adopt them in view of changing climatic adversities. Dr. T. Basanta Singh, Senior Scientist (Soil Science), stressed the foundational role of soil in crop productivity and advised the sustainable and judicious use of agro-chemicals in the fields. Partnering the programme, Smt. Nirmala Maibam of Green Biotech Ecosolutions Pvt. Ltd. demonstrated the use of bio-fertilizers and bio-pesticides for sustainability in resource use. Over 50 farmers (12 females and 40 males) of the village actively participated in the event and gained valuable knowledge from the technical sessions and field demonstrations.
        The programme received valuable support from Dr. Krishnappa Rangappa, In-charge, NICRA Project, who facilitated the distribution of improved vegetable seed kits developed by IIHR, Bengaluru, oilseed seeds, and bio-stimulants to the participating farmers. The programme reaffirmed ICAR Manipur Centre's commitment to strengthening climate-resilient agriculture across Manipur through research, technology dissemination, on-farm demonstrations, and capacity building for the farming communities of the state.