IMPHAL: The ICAR Research Complex for North Eastern Hill (NEH) Region, Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat, successfully concluded a two-day Awareness Programme-cum-Field Day on “Climate-Resilient Agriculture for Livelihood Improvement of SCSP Farmers in Manipur” at Khurkhul Village in Imphal West district. The programme was organised under the National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA)–Scheduled Caste Sub-Plan (SCSP) with the objective of promoting climate-resilient farming technologies among beneficiary farmers.
The programme aimed to disseminate climate-resilient agricultural technologies developed under the NICRA initiative, including drought-tolerant crop varieties, rainwater harvesting structures, conservation tillage practices, and integrated nutrient and pest management modules. These technologies were demonstrated through interactive technical sessions and on-farm field demonstrations to enhance farmers’ resilience against the growing impacts of climate change.
The initiative forms part of the Institute’s continued efforts to extend agricultural research and technology to farmers in remote and underserved areas. The programme was conducted under the supervision and leadership of Dr. Soibam Basanta Singh, Head, Regional Centre, ICAR Manipur Centre.
Addressing the participants, Dr. Soibam Basanta Singh stressed the importance of reviving community ponds for water conservation and highlighted the strategic role of millets and pulse crops in promoting crop diversification and sustainable agriculture.
During the valedictory session, Dr. Ayam Gangarani Devi, Senior Scientist, ICAR Manipur Centre, presented an overview of the programme and outlined the achievements of the NICRA initiative. She stated that the programme has played a significant role in addressing climate change through research, technology development, and the dissemination of climate-resilient farming practices among vulnerable farming communities.
Dr. Devi also highlighted the need to sensitize farmers to recent climatic changes associated with the El Niño phenomenon and discussed suitable adaptation strategies. She emphasized adopting a holistic approach that integrates food, land, and water resources to strengthen the resilience of farming systems in the face of climate variability.
Among the distinguished participants, Dr. L. Kanta Singh, Senior Scientist-cum-Head, Imphal West, explained the importance of strengthening linkages between farmers and agricultural scientists as a contingency measure to reduce the adverse impacts of El Niño.
Dr. Kh. Rishikanta Singh, Senior Scientist, briefed farmers on various central government schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and PM-KISAN, encouraging them to take advantage of these initiatives for agricultural security and income support.
Dr. Arati Ningombam conducted a technical session on integrated pest management, providing practical guidance on effective pest control measures in field crops. Dr. E. Lamalakshmi Devi and Dr. Konsam Sarika introduced improved crop varieties developed by ICAR and encouraged farmers to adopt these varieties to cope with present and anticipated climatic challenges.
Dr. T. Basanta Singh, Scientist, emphasized the importance of maintaining soil health through the judicious use of agrochemicals, water conservation practices, and sustainable soil management. Dr. N. Umakanta highlighted ICAR’s efforts to develop climate-resilient crop varieties using biotechnological interventions.
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As part of the industry-institution partnership, Smt. Nirmala Maibam of Green Biotech Ecosolutions Pvt. Ltd. demonstrated the use of bio-fertilisers and bio-pesticides for sustainable agricultural production.
A major highlight of the concluding day was the enthusiastic participation of more than 60 women farmers from Khurkhul Village. Their active involvement in technical sessions and field demonstrations reflected the growing role of women in promoting climate-resilient agriculture at the grassroots level. Their participation also underscored the Institute’s commitment to inclusive agricultural development and recognised the crucial role of women in building resilient and sustainable farming communities.
The programme received institutional support from Dr. Krishnappa Rangappa, Principal Investigator, NICRA, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, who facilitated the procurement of essential agricultural inputs for beneficiary farmers. These included drought-tolerant rice variety RC Maniphou-15, bio-fertilisers, bio-pesticides, disease-resistant vegetable seed kits developed by the Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bengaluru, oilseed seeds, and information leaflets on climate-resilient agriculture.
The two-day programme marked another significant step in the ICAR Manipur Centre’s ongoing efforts to strengthen climate-resilient farming systems in the state through research, technology transfer, field demonstrations, and farmer empowerment. Officials expressed confidence that the active participation of women farmers and the adoption of improved climate-resilient technologies would encourage wider replication of sustainable agricultural practices across rural Manipur.
