Training programme on Hawaijar production held at Heirok to boost soybean farming
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 24 2026: With an aim to strengthen farmers' capacity and promote entrepreneurship in soybeanbased products, a four-day hands-on training programme on improved soybean production commenced today at Ikop Ningthou Laibung in Heirok Part II .

The training programme, held from March 24 to 27 under the theme "Improved Method on Soybean Production," is being organized by the Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal in collaboration with Prem Dhara, an NGO.

The initiative aims to equip farmers with' modem cultivation techniques while encouraging value addition and entrepreneurship in soybean-based ventures.

The programme was inaugurated by Heirok Kendra MLA, Dr Thokchom Radheshyam Singh, who emphasized that Heirok has strong potential to emerge as a leading soybean-producing region in Manipur if farmers adopt efficient and scientific cultivation methods.

He stated that the promotion of hawaijar (fermented soybean) farming could significantly enhance local income while improving nutritional intake.

Speaking on the occasion, Professor K Nandini Devi, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Iroisemba, underscored the nutritional and health benefits of hawaijar, stating that it is a rich source of plant protein and may play a role in cancer prevention and women's health.

She also elaborated on ongoing initiatives under the All India Coordinated Research Project on Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology (AICRP on PHET) to develop market-oriented soybean products.

Altogether, 70 trainees are participating in the programme.

Technical sessions are being conducted by Dr Thangjam Anand Singh, Senior Scientist at CAU, along with Sanasam Menthoibi Devi, an agri-entrepreneur from Thoubal, who is providing practical, insights into soybean cultivation and processing.

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