Capacity Building Programme on Bio-fortified Rice Varieties Held at Tawang
Tawang(Arunchal Pradesh): A one-day Capacity Building Training and Farmers’ Interaction Programme on Bio-fortified Rice Varieties under the NEH Programme was successfully conducted today at Zomkhang Hall, Tawang. The programme was organised by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Tawang in collaboration with the ICAR–Indian Institute of Rice Research (IIRR), Hyderabad, Telangana.
The event was graced by Ms. Keertika Kashyap, DDC, NABARD Tawang, as the Chief Guest, while Ms. Nawang Chonzom, Chairperson, Tawang Green Farmers Producer Company, attended as the Guest of Honour.
Several dignitaries and subject-matter experts were present, including Dr. C. N. Neeraja, Principal Scientist (NEH), ICAR-IIRR, Hyderabad, along with Dr. Jyoti Badri, Dr. Kalyani M., and Dr. Veerendra Jaldhani. Officials and farmer representatives such as Mr. Tashi Lungtan, ADO, and Mr. Jambey Tenzin, General Secretary, Kisan Morcha, Tawang, also participated in the programme.
During the technical sessions, farmers were educated about bio-fortified rice varieties suitable for hilly regions, their nutritional benefits, and improved cultivation practices. A soil testing kit, provided as part of the programme inputs, was demonstrated by ICAR-IIRR resource persons, who explained its practical application for on-farm soil testing.
An interactive session followed, where farmers raised queries related to rice cultivation and other crops, which were addressed comprehensively by the experts.
Addressing the gathering, Ms. Keertika Kashyap highlighted ongoing and upcoming NABARD initiatives in the district and informed participants that several capacity-building programmes for farmers and rural communities are in the pipeline.
Apart from the expert scientists, Ms. Nawang Chonzom and Mr. Jambey Tenzin also spoke on the importance of adopting improved agricultural technologies and strengthening farmer institutions.
The programme commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and a welcome address by Dr. Anjanand Tripathy, Senior Scientist-cum-Head, KVK Tawang. It concluded with the distribution of inputs, including bio-fortified rice seeds developed by ICAR-IIRR, Hyderabad, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. J. K. Singh, SMS (Animal Science), KVK Tawang.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from farmers and marked a significant step towards promoting nutrient-rich crops and sustainable agriculture in the hilly regions of Tawang.