The ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat, organised a one-day programme on “Field Day on Rice and Farmer–Scientist Interaction” under AICRP on Seed (Crops) at its Lamphelpat campus. The event was held in collaboration with ICAR-KVKs of Imphal West, Chandel, Churachandpur, Tamenglong, and Ukhrul.
Addressing the event as Chief Guest, K. Debadutta Sharma, Director of the Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, stressed that farmers must move beyond increasing production and focus on profitability. He said enhancing productivity, quality, processing, and marketing are essential to ensure better income and long-term sustainability.
He also lauded ICAR’s contribution to agricultural advancement in Manipur through the development of improved crop varieties and modern farming technologies suited to local conditions. Sharma added that constant dialogue between farmers and scientists is vital to achieving sustainable agriculture. He further informed that a Central Scheme on Makhana (fox nut), locally known as Thangjing, will soon be implemented in Manipur and encouraged scientists to conduct more research on the crop.
Ch. Basudha Devi, Head of the ICAR Manipur Centre, highlighted that the institute has developed 12 rice varieties under the RC Maniphou series, well-adapted to Manipur’s climate and popular across the Northeast. She noted that the newly released RC Manichakhao-1 is a high-yielding, semi-dwarf variety capable of producing 4.5 to 5 tonnes per hectare.
Professor K. Nandini Devi, Dean of the College of Agriculture, CAU Imphal, said the programme serves as an important forum for farmers to learn scientific practices such as proper spacing, soil management, and pest control to improve yields and self-reliance.
Former Joint Director of ICAR RC NEHR Manipur Centre, Professor I. Meghachandra Singh, explained that developing new crop varieties involves coordinated work across multiple scientific disciplines. He stressed the importance of pest resistance testing and identifying suitable environmental conditions for optimal crop performance.
The event concluded with a field visit to observe rice varieties, including RC Manichakhao-1. It was attended by scientists Dr. R.K. Rishikanta Singh, Dr. Ngankham Umakanta, and Dr. Konsam Sarika, along with officials, farmers, and students from the College of Agriculture, CAU Imphal.
