Mingkeng Osik

PASIGHAT : A three-day training, demonstration and input distribution programme on “Promotion of Pulses in the North Eastern Hill (NEH) Region” commenced at the College of Agriculture, Pasighat, on Friday with the participation of farmers, agricultural scientists, researchers and local representatives.

The programme, being held from June 20 to 22, is sponsored by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research–Indian Institute of Pulses Research (ICAR-IIPR), Kanpur, under its NEH component and is being organised by the College of Agriculture, Pasighat.

Addressing the inaugural session, College of Agriculture Dean Dr Sanjay Swamy highlighted the vast potential for pulse cultivation in Arunachal Pradesh, stating that the state’s agro-climatic conditions are well suited for increasing pulse production and contributing significantly to the country’s overall output.

He urged farmers to make optimum use of the programme and expand pulse cultivation, describing pulses as a highly nutritious crop with immense health benefits and adaptability to diverse climatic conditions.

Dr Swamy said the institution is working to ensure that quality pulse seeds and improved technologies reach farmers across the state, thereby reducing dependence on supplies from outside Arunachal Pradesh. Increased pulse production, he added, would strengthen both the state’s agricultural sector and the economy of the Northeast region.

Explaining the objectives of the programme, College of Agriculture Assistant Professor Dr Senpon Ngomle encouraged participants to take full advantage of the scientific knowledge and practical training being provided. He elaborated on modern cultivation methods, crop management practices and the role of pulses in sustainable agriculture.

Dr Ngomle also highlighted the importance of pulse production in achieving the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and spoke about innovative pulse-based rice cultivation and cropping systems that can improve farm productivity.

As part of the initiative, quality pulse seeds and other agricultural inputs were distributed to participating farmers to promote wider adoption of pulse cultivation practices.

Among the participants were farmers from Kangku Circle in Lower Siang district, who expressed appreciation to their Zilla Parishad Member (ZPM) for facilitating their participation in the programme. They also thanked the faculty members, scientists and trainers of the College of Agriculture for their efforts in empowering farmers through technical knowledge and practical support.

The programme is expected to enhance awareness of pulse cultivation, improve agricultural productivity, strengthen nutritional security and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for farmers across the region.