A one-day farmers’ training programme on “Improved Seed Production and Storage Practices of Major Crops under
Changing Climate in the North Eastern Hill Region” was organized on 27th March 2026 at Marngar village near Nongpoh in Ri-Bhoi district under the NICRA project.
The training was successfully organized with the active involvement of scientists from the Division of Crop Science, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam. The training
aimed to enhance farmers’ awareness and build their capacity in quality seed production and improved crop management practices to address the emerging challenges of hill agriculture
under changing climatic conditions. During the sessions, farmers were sensitized to the importance of quality seed materials, appropriate varietal selection, and active participation
in seed production—key elements for strengthening climate-resilient farming systems in the hill ecosystems of Northeast India.
The programme commenced with an inaugural address by Dr. Krishnappa R., Senior Scientist,
Division of Crop Science and Principal Investigator (NICRA), ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam. The technical sessions were conducted
by Dr. Amit Kumar, Dr. Letngam Touthang, Dr. Nivedita S., and Miss Erlymelin Jamu. The experts highlighted how improved climate resilient rice varieties
that outperform traditional cultivars due to their shorter duration and higher yield efficiency, making them more suitable for climate-uncertain environments.
They also discussed the suitability of improved rice cultivars for both upland and lowland ecosystems of the region. In addition, emphasis was placed on the use of
quality seed materials for rice which is being important staple crop of the region, seasonal vegetables, maintaining optimum crop spacing, and promoting the cultivation
of high-value crops under organic farming practices to enhance farm income and sustainability in hill regions. An interactive farmer–scientist session was also done during
the programme where participants shared their experiences, raised concerns related to crop production under changing climatic conditions, and explored more pragmatic climate-smart
agricultural solutions for resilient hill farming.
The event concluded with the distribution of improved seeds of seasonal vegetables and rice
varieties to the participating farmers, with the objective of promoting quality seed production and climate-resilient agricultural practices
in the hill farming systems of Ri-Bhoi district. Support from project staff, including Dr. Rajesh Khan, YP-II (NICRA), and Mr. Victorio Tariang,
Skilled Staff, Plant Physiology Section, ensured the smooth conduct of the programme. Around 40 farmers who were mainly from tribal farming communities
of the district attended the training programme.
 |
 |
 |
 |