KVK Chandel hosts field day on biofortified lentil variety IPL 220
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, March 18 2026: In a step towards improving nutritional security and enhancing farmers' income, the ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Chandel organised a "Field Day" at M Gamnom Village under Sajik Tampak-Chakpikarong block in Chandel District on Wednesday.

The programme focused on the performance and benefits of the biofortified lentil variety IPL 220, with participation from 20 progressive farmers from the village and nearby areas.

Addressing the gathering, Ts Leenda Monsang, Subject Matter Specialist (Plant Breeding), provided an indepth technical overview of the IPL 220 variety.

She emphasized IPL 220 has been specifically developed for the North East Plain Zone (NEPZ), making it ideally suited to the local agro-climatic conditions of Chandel.

She explained that the variety is biofortified and rich in essential micronutrients such as iron, zinc and selenium, making it an effective tool in combating "hidden hunger" and nutritional deficiencies, especially among women and children.

She further noted that the variety shows strong resistance to major threats such as rust, fusarium wilt and stemphylium blight, thereby reducing dependence on chemical interventions.

It reaches maturity within 120-125 days, offering a substantial potential yield of 15-20 quintals per hectare.

The programme was graced by the presence of the village chief, Lunkhopao and representatives of Kana area farmers.

Officials from KVK, including Ps Lavid Anal, SMS (Horticulture), and Dehkhohao Doungel, Technical Officer (CA), were present to facilitate the interaction and address farmer queries regarding crop management, its diversification and mobile advisory.

The Field Day concluded with a crop demonstration where farmers observed the standing crop's health and vigour.

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