Kisan Diwas / National Mushroom Day observed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 23 2024: Kisan Diwas cum National Mushroom Day was observed today at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat on the theme, "Climate based round the year mushroom production" .

The programme was jointly organised by ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre and ICAR - Krishi Vigyan Kendras (Imphal West, Tamenglong, Ukhrul and Churachandpur).

It was graced by K Debadutta Sharma, Director, Department of Horticulture & Soil Conservation; Dr I Meghachandra Singh, Principal Scientist (retired), ICAR Manipur Centre and Dr Ch Basudha Devi, Head of Regional Centre, ICAR Manipur Centre as presidium members.

The programme began with the lighting of lamps followed by a welcome address delivered by Dr A Ratankumar Singh, Senior Scientist, Plant Pathology.

Speaking on the occasion, K Debadutta Shanna National Farmers' Day (Kisan Diwas) is celebrated annually on December 23 to commemorate the birth anniversary of India's 5th Prime Minister, Choudhary Charan Singh.

He asserted that Chaudhary Charan Singh, often referred to as the "Champion of Farmers," played a pivotal role in empowering farmers during his tenure as Prime Minister from 1979 to 1980 .

"Renowned for his strong support of the farming community, he introduced several key policies aimed at advancing agricultural development.

His focus on land reforms.

boosting agricultural productivity, and safeguarding farmers' rights helped lay the groundwork for future welfare-driven policies", he added.

The Director continued that National Mushroom Day is celebrated to honour and pay tribute to the farmers, who are regarded as the backbone of the Nation.

He also briefed about the contributions of ICAR-NEH Manipur Centre in mushroom research and technology and appreciated the ICAR Manipur Centre for developing efficient technologies of mushroom production, value addition and popularization among the farmers through various training programmes.

Dr I Meghachandra Singh said that mushroom cultivation has great potential in uplifting the socio-economic status of fanners of Manipur owing to its low input cost and health benefits.

Dr Ch Basudha encouraged farmers to grow mushrooms and assured that ICAR is ready to provide all technical help, training and guidance for the same.

As part of the programme, a Mushroom Exhibition was also organized, in which entrepreneurs from both valley and hill districts of Manipur exhibited their products, technologies and innovation.

Distribution of awards and agricultural inputs to farmers and a farmer-scientist interaction programme were the other highlights of the event.

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