A one-day programme on ‘Field Day on Rice and Farmer–Scientist Interaction’ was conducted under the All India Coordinated Research Project on Seeds (Crops) in Imphal on Thursday.
Organised by the ICAR Research Complex for North East Hill Region, Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat, in collaboration with ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra Imphal West, Chandel, Churachandpur, Tamenglong, and Ukhrul, the event was attended by scientists, farmers, and students.
The programme was designed not only to showcase the varieties already released, but also to serve as a platform for dialogue between farmers and scientists. Through these interactions, farmers could share their observations, enabling scientists to explore ways to further enhance yield, productivity, and economic viability.
According to Dr Konsam Sarika, Senior Scientist at ICAR RC NEHR Manipur Centre, the insightful contributions from farmers will support the research objectives and approaches of the scientists. Dr Sarika emphasised that these inputs will help ensure that every variety developed not only performs well in research trials, but also succeeds in farmers’ fields.
Speaking as chief guest, K Debadutta Sharma, Director, Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Government of Manipur, emphasised that the role of farmers extends beyond mere food production. He noted that while increasing production is important, it becomes futile if the produce cannot be sold or generate profit. Therefore, farmers should also focus on enhancing productivity, maintaining quality standards, adopting value addition and processing practices, and exploring effective marketing strategies to ensure better returns and long-term sustainability.
He also highlighted the significant contributions of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in advancing agricultural development in Manipur. He acknowledged ICAR’s role in introducing modern technologies, developing improved crop varieties suited to the local agro-climatic conditions, and ensuring their dissemination to farmers. He noted that these efforts have enabled Manipur to produce its own crops and contribute to the state’s agricultural growth and profitability.
He further remarked that the programme was not merely a gathering, but a valuable platform for farmers to share their challenges and seek solutions directly from scientists.
He also urged all farmers to work closely with the scientific community, encouraging them to communicate their farming needs and the difficulties they encounter in the field. Such continuous interaction between farmers and scientists, he added, will play a vital role in achieving sustainable agriculture in the state.
K Debadutta Sharma also informed attendees that a Central Scheme on makhana (fox nut), locally known as thangjing, is soon to be implemented by the Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Government of Manipur, and invited interested farmers to participate in the programme. He noted that there has been limited research and development on thangjing in the state and encouraged scientists to take advantage of the upcoming scheme to initiate research in this area.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
Ch Basudha Devi, Head of Regional Centre, ICAR RC NEHR Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat, Imphal, informed that ICAR Manipur Centre has developed a total of 12 rice varieties, popularly known as the RC Maniphou series. These varieties, she added, are not only well-received in Manipur but also in neighbouring states such as Nagaland, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh.
She further stated that these rice varieties are well-adapted to Manipur’s changing climatic conditions. She added that their latest release, RC Manichakhao-1, introduced this year, is a high-yielding, semi-dwarf rice variety with a yield potential of 4.5 to 5 tonnes.
Prof Irengbam Meghachandra Singh of the College of Agriculture, Iroisemba CAU Imphal, and former Joint Director of ICAR RC NEHR Manipur Centre, explained that the development of a new crop variety is a collaborative effort involving not only plant breeders, but also experts in disciplines such as entomology, pathology, agronomy, and soil science.
He emphasised that each variety must be thoroughly evaluated for its resistance to pests and diseases before release, and added that it is equally important to identify the specific environmental conditions under which the crop performs best.
He further noted that rice is the staple food crop of Manipur as well as many other parts of India. He said that its production in Manipur remains low due to limited understanding of improved cultivation practices, the predominance of lowland areas, and inadequate irrigation facilities. As a result, he added, the state reportedly continues to depend on imports from other regions to meet its rice demand.
Participants also took part in field visits to observe rice varieties like RC Manichakhao-1, developed under the ICAR RC NEHR Manipur Centre.
Also read | How a Biate book turned knowledge co-creation into shared storytelling