Chümoukedima: As many as 200 farmers from across all 17 districts of Nagaland are participating in the Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) Conservation Awareness Programme cum Training on Organic Farming, being organised by the ICAR–National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi, in collaboration with the School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Nagaland University, Medziphema campus, and the Department of Agriculture, Government of Nagaland.
The two-day programme is being conducted from February 19 to 20, 2026, at Angh Hall, Agri Expo, Chümoukedima.
The programme aims to strengthen awareness on conservation of plant genetic resources, promote organic farming practices, and enhance collaboration between scientists, academic institutions and farming communities in Nagaland and the wider North Eastern Hill (NEH) region.
Speaking at the inaugural session, Sidramappa M. Chalkapure, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests (D&P) and Member Secretary of the Nagaland State Biodiversity Board, Government of Nagaland, who attended as the special guest, highlighted the importance of community-led biodiversity conservation and the critical role of traditional knowledge.
He said the programme has brought together scientists from the premier institution National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, New Delhi, and farmers representing all districts of the state.
Chalkapure emphasised the strong link between biodiversity conservation, traditional knowledge and sustainable livelihoods, and appreciated the platform for bringing together scientists, farmers, village leaders and local stakeholders for collective learning rather than top-down knowledge transfer.
He elaborated on two major conservation approaches—in situ and ex situ—and stressed that while institutions mainly focus on ex situ conservation, farmers and local communities remain the primary custodians of in situ conservation.
He noted that Naga communities have conserved biodiversity for generations, with women playing a key role in seed preservation, though such traditional knowledge is increasingly threatened by modernisation and lifestyle changes.
Referring to governance issues, Chalkapure pointed out that only about 5–10 per cent of Nagaland’s land falls under protected areas, while nearly 90 per cent of biodiversity conservation responsibility rests with communities due to the state’s unique landholding system.
He underlined the importance of village-level Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) and demonstrated the People’s Biodiversity Register (PBR), stressing the need for proper documentation, prior community consent, and Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS).
He also cautioned against climate change, forest fires and unsustainable practices, underscoring the importance of community forest conservation for biodiversity protection and water security.
Referring to traditional farming systems such as jhum, alder-based farming and Zabo farming, he concluded by reiterating that communities have always been the true custodians of biodiversity.
Dr Sushil Pandey, Principal Scientist, ICAR–NBPGR, presented an overview of the programme and highlighted the objectives and importance of PGR conservation and organic farming, with special reference to Nagaland and the NEH region.
He stated that the Government of India accords special priority to the NEH region, including through targeted initiatives under the Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP), and noted that ICAR–NBPGR functions as a consortium integrating biodiversity conservation with inclusive development.
He informed that under the NEH component, a five-year action plan (2026–2031) is being formulated, with Nagaland University identified as the lead centre for programme implementation in the state.
The initial phase will focus on cereals, millets, vegetables and medicinal plants, with germplasm supply, characterisation and evaluation to support future crop improvement.
Dr Pandey emphasised that agrobiodiversity conservation is a national priority and said ICAR–NBPGR maintains the world’s second-largest gene bank, conserving about 4.8 lakh germplasm accessions in long-term storage at –20°C.
He also shared that a second National Gene Bank, with an investment of ₹500 crore, is being established at Keylong in Himachal Pradesh as a strategic backup to ensure national genetic resource security.
Concluding his address, he stressed that conservation, characterisation and utilisation must go together, with the ultimate goal of identifying valuable genes and developing improved varieties for the benefit of farmers, ensuring sustainable agricultural development in Nagaland and across the NEH region.
He also stated that ICAR–NBPGR has acknowledged its association with the School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University since 2025, which began with the successful conduct of a Plant Genetic Resources awareness programme, and that this success has helped further strengthen and expand collaboration between the two institutions through continued academic and extension activities.
Senior Professor Prof. L. Daiho, SAS, Nagaland University, delivered brief remarks underscoring the role of academic institutions in promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable agriculture.
He highlighted the responsibility of universities in research, documentation, capacity building and fostering collaboration between scientists and farming communities to ensure preservation and sustainable utilisation of genetic resources.
The inaugural session was chaired by Prof. Akali Sema, Professor In-charge, Research Cell, SAS, Nagaland University. Interpretation support during the programme was provided by Dr Mary Odyuo, Associate Professor, Department of Extension Education, SAS, Nagaland University, and Nzanthung, PhD Scholar, Department of Horticulture, SAS, Nagaland University.
The invocation was delivered by Dr Sibino Dolie, Technical Assistant, AICRP on Soybean, SAS, Nagaland University, and the session concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Prof. A.K. Singh, Centre In-charge, AICRN on Potential Crops, Department of Soil Science, SAS, Nagaland University.
The programme also included a visit to exhibition stalls, where germplasms of various crops, including rice, millets, soybean and other important crops, were displayed for participants.
The event began with a welcome address by the chairperson, followed by the introduction of farmers and delegates. Farmers and officials from various departments actively participated following registration. The overall event is being coordinated by Prof. Akali Sema, with the active support of a dedicated team of faculty members, scientists and students of SAS, Nagaland University.
The first day of the programme concluded successfully with active participation and meaningful discussions, setting a strong foundation for subsequent sessions of the training programme on the second day.
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