A Skill Development Workshop on “Quality Seed Production Technology: Sowing the Future”
was organized by the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, on 5th November 2026. The workshop aimed to create awareness and
enhance the technical knowledge and skills of farmers, rural youth, extension personnel and other stakeholders in quality seed production technologies.
The programme was graced by Smt. M. Dkhar, Director (R&T), Government of Meghalaya;
Shri I. B. Saiborn, Director (Food Processing), Government of Meghalaya; Dr. G. Kadirvel, Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam;
Smt. Monica, Deputy Director (Agronomy); and Shri Bashongdor, Joint Director (Administration and Accounts).
The workshop witnessed the participation of representatives from the Directorate of Agriculture,
Government of Meghalaya, Shillong; District Agriculture Officers (DAOs) of Ri-Bhoi and East Khasi Hills; Research Officers (ROs) from Shillong, Tura
and Jowai; National Seeds Corporation; AICRI In-charge, Upper Shillong; ADO, Jirang; FPO, Tyrso; scientists; progressive farmers; and other stakeholders.
During the deliberations, the dignitaries and participants
emphasized the pivotal role of quality seeds as the foundation of sustainable agriculture and a key driver of
enhanced crop productivity, food security and farmers' income. They highlighted the importance of strengthening
seed production systems, ensuring the availability of quality seeds of improved and regionally adapted varieties,
and promoting scientific seed production practices among farming communities.
The following key recommendations and action points emerged from the discussions:
- Listing of all released varieties developed by the Institute on the SATHI portal to facilitate their recognition and wider dissemination.
- Preparation and submission of a list of recommended high-yielding varieties of major crops suitable for the agro-ecological conditions of Meghalaya to the State Government to facilitate large-scale seed multiplication under various government missions.
- Identification of potential areas for the targeted multiplication of soybean, millets and other crops, with the active involvement of registered seed growers, state farms, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and progressive farmers.
- Prioritization and promotion of suitable seed storage and processing technologies tailored to the agro-climatic conditions of Meghalaya.
- Establishment of processing and value-addition facilities for crops such as soybean and perilla to encourage large-scale cultivation, strengthen market linkages and enhance farmers' income in the region.
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