‘Field Day on Rice’ Highlights Profitability and Farmer–Scientist Collaboration

The ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Manipur Centre, Lamphelpat, organized a one-day programme on “Field Day on Rice and Farmer–Scientist Interaction” under the AICRP on Seed (Crops) at its Lamphelpat campus today, in collaboration with ICAR-KVKs from Imphal West, Chandel, Churachandpur, Tamenglong, and Ukhrul.

Shri K. Debadutta Sharma, Director, Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation, Government of Manipur, graced the event as Chief Guest and urged farmers to focus on profitability and sustainability rather than mere production. He emphasized the need for value addition, quality maintenance, and strong market linkages, adding that close cooperation between farmers and scientists is vital for agricultural growth.

He also announced that a Central Scheme on Makhana (Thangjing) will soon be launched in Manipur, inviting farmers to participate in the initiative.

Ch. Basudha Devi, Head of ICAR RC NEHR Manipur Centre, informed that the centre has developed 12 rice varieties under the RC Maniphou series, well-suited to Manipur’s changing climate. The latest, RC Manichakhao-1, is a high-yielding, semi-dwarf variety with a potential yield of 4.5 to 5 tonnes per hectare.

Prof. K. Nandini Devi, Dean, College of Agriculture, CAU Imphal, highlighted the importance of scientific planting methods and pest management, while Prof. I. Meghachandra Singh stressed multidisciplinary collaboration in developing new rice varieties.

Participants also visited rice fields to observe demonstration plots of RC Manichakhao-1. The programme was attended by scientists, officials, farmers, and students from CAU Imphal.