The Almora-based Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan (VPKAS), in partnership with Tawang KVK, conducted a program on Thursday dedicated to showcasing and providing millet threshers. This initiative, carried out within the framework of the NEH program by the ICAR, involved the participation of 20 farmers from various villages, including Bleting, Buri, Gipsu, Kharteng, Kitpi, Lumtsang, Namet, Shakti, and Shernup.
Dr. Lakshmi Kant, Director of VPKAS, discussed promoting finger millet in the district, emphasizing the success of VL Mandua 376. He highlighted efforts to involve farmers in seed production and introduced the time-saving VL millet thresher-cum-pearler. Dr. Kant urged Tawang DC to include the thresher in state subsidy schemes for wider farmer benefits. Dr. Kant also informed participants about the steps taken to facilitate organic certification for finger millet producers, enabling them to command higher prices for their produce.
Tawang DC Kanki Darang encouraged farmers to adopt new crop varieties and agricultural technologies to reduce production costs and increase their income. District Agriculture Officer Toli Bam offered his department's support in making new agricultural technologies accessible to the farmers and addressing the challenges they face. Later, 13 threshers were distributed to the farmers by the DC and Dr. Kant for community use.
The event was attended by various individuals, including VPKAS scientists Drs. NK Hedau, RK Khulbe, DC Joshi, and Hitesh Bijarniya, as well as SDO KB Kayastha and scientists from the Tawang KVK.
