ICAR RC for NEH Region host "Field Day on Rice and Farmer-Scientist Interaction"
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, November 06 2025: The ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, Imphal hosted a 1-day programme on "Field Day on Rice and Farmer-Scientist Interaction" under AICRP on Seed (Crops) at its Lamphelpat campus today.

The programme was held in collaboration with ICAR-KVKs of Imphal West, Chandel, Churachandpur, Tamenglong, and Ukhrul.

The event was graced by dignitaries, including K Debadutta Sharma, Director, Department of Horticulture & Soil Conservation, Manipur; Ch Basudha Devi, Head, Regional Centre, ICAR RC NEHR Manipur Centre; Prof K Nandini Devi, Dean, College of Agriculture, CAU, Imphal; and Prof I Meghachandra Singh, former Joint Director, ICAR RC NEHR Manipur Centre.

Speaking on the occasion, K Debadutta emphasized that the role of farmers extends beyond mere food production.

"While increasing production is important, it becomes futile if the produce cannot be sold or generate profit.

Therefore, fanners 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 added.

He also acknowledged ICAR's role in introducing modem technologies, developing improved crop varieties suited to the local agro-climatic conditions, and ensuring their dissemination to fanners.

He noted that these efforts have enabled Manipur to produce its own crops and contribute to the State's agricultural growth and profitability.

He also urged all farmers to work inclose association with the scientific community, encouraging them to communicate their farming needs and the difficulties they encounter in the field.

He informed 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, Manipur, and invited interested farmers to participate in the programme.

He further pointed out that there has been limited research and development on Thangjing in the State, and encouraged scientists to take advantage of this upcoming scheme to initiate research in this area.

Ch Basudha mentioned that ICAR, Manipur Centre has developed a total of 12 rice varieties, popularly known as the RC Maniphou series.

"These varieties are not only well-received in Manipur but also in neighbouring States such as Nagaland, Mizoram, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh", said Ch Basudha while adding 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.

Participants also took part in field visits to observe rice varieties like the RC Manichakhao-1, developed under the ICAR RC NEHR Manipur Centre.

The event was also attended by Dr RK Rishikanta Singh, Senior Scientist; Dr Ngankham Umakanta, Senior Scientist; Dr Konsam Sarika, Scientist, all from ICAR RC NEHR Manipur Centre, along with other officials, scientists, farmers, and students from the CoA, CAU Imphal.

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