Farmers' issues dissected at SAC Meeting
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 23 2025: The 15th Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) Meeting of ICAR-KVK, Tamenglong was held on Thursday at the Loktak Farmers' Hostel Conference Hall, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat, here.

The meeting was conducted in hybrid mode and presided over by Dr Ramgopal Laha, head of Regional Centre (HORC), ICAR Manipur Centre.

Dr AK Mohanty, director ICAR-ATARI Zone VII, Barapahi, chaired the programme, while Dr AK Singha, principal scientist ICAR-ATARI Zone VII; Dr S Basanta Singh, nodal officer ICAR-KVKs; Dr Ch Basud-ha Devi, principal scientist (fisheries) ICAR Manipur Centre; Chungong Pamei, mission director MIDH Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation; and MK Celestina, BO/SDC Noney, participated as guests of honour.

Farmers' issues dissected at SAC Meeting

Also in attendance among the 54 participants were scientists from ICAR Manipur Centre, officials from the agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, and veterinary departments of Tamenglong district, representatives of RBCC NGO, and farmer representatives from Khoupum, Noney, and Tupul.

Dr Ramgopal Laha, in his presidential address, reiterated the commitment of ICAR-KVKs and the ICAR Manipur Centre to serve the farming communities of Manipur, even amidst .challenging times as Chungong Pamei emphasised the importance of giving special attention to the unique needs of the North East Region of India.

Similarly, MK Celestina highlighted the need for coordinated efforts across various sectors to advance the welfare of the district's farming community.

Dr H Lembisana Devi, senior scientist and head of ICAR-KVK Tamenglong, presented a brief report on the actions undertaken during 2024-25 in line with recommendations from the previous SAC meeting.

Respective progress reports for 2024-25 and the Action Plan for 2025-26 were presented by subject matter specialists - Dr Kolom Rabi (plant breeding), Gaipuichung Kamei (agronomy), Dr RK Roshan (horticulture), Dr Soibam Sinyorita (animal science), and Sunanda Huidrom (plant protection).

The house engaged in detailed deliberations and discussions on the proposed Annual Action Plan for 2025-26.Suggestions for modifications, corrections, and additions were considered to ensure the finalisation of an impactful Action Plan aimed at benefiting the district's farming community.