The ICAR - National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi, in collaboration with ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), West Garo Hills, Meghalaya, successfully organized a one-day workshop on “Plant Genetic Resources Awareness Programme” on 28th March, 2025 at SMELC Hall, Dakopgre. The objective of the programme is to sensitize farmers about the significance of conserving and utilizing plant genetic resources (PGR). The workshop witnessed an active participation of 100 farmers from seven different villages across West Garo Hills district, reflecting a strong community interest in sustainable agricultural practices and biodiversity conservation.
        The programme was hosted by Mr. N. Arun Kumar Singh (SMS, SWCE) and commenced with a prayer offered by one of the farmers, setting a solemn tone for the event. Dr. Tarun Kumar Das (SMS, Agricultural Extension) delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to safeguard plant diversity for future generations.
        Dr. Pavan Kumar Malav (Scientist, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi) presented an insightful session on the role of NBPGR in preserving and conserving plant genetic resources across different agro-climatic zones of India. He elaborated on the organization’s initiatives, including germplasm collection, characterization, documentation, and seed banking to safeguard India’s rich genetic diversity for future agricultural resilience. The farmers showed great interest in understanding these efforts and their implications for sustainable farming.
        Adding to the discussion, Dr. Subarna Hajong (Scientist, ICAR-NBPGR, Umiam, Meghalaya) highlighted the importance of indigenous plant species, many of which are at risk of extinction due to habitat loss, climate change, and shifting agricultural practices. She stressed the urgent need for community involvement in conserving these valuable genetic resources to maintain ecological balance and food security.
        Further, Dr. Monica Suresh Singh (Senior Scientist & Head, ICAR-KVK, West Garo Hills) emphasized the unique biodiversity of the North Eastern Region (NER), particularly Meghalaya, which harbors a wealth of endemic and rare plant species. She underscored the significance of Citrus indica, believed to be the ancestral species of all citrus fruits, and the pressing need to preserve this threatened species, which is now found in only a few northeastern states, with Meghalaya being a primary habitat.
        The workshop also featured the distribution of essential agricultural inputs to support the participating farmers. Each farmer received a knapsack sprayer, vermibed, tarpaulin, torch, secateur, watering pipe, crates, summer vegetable seeds, and arecanut saplings. These inputs are expected to significantly aid their farming activities, enhancing productivity and sustainability.
         The event concluded with enthusiastic feedback from the farmers, who expressed gratitude for the valuable insights, assistance, and support extended by ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi, and ICAR-KVK, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya. Their positive response underscored the impact of such awareness initiatives in empowering farming communities with knowledge and resources to preserve plant genetic diversity. The workshop formally ended with a vote of thanks by Dr. Tarun Kumar Das, appreciating the collective efforts of scientists, officials, and farmers in making the event a success.