ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Hailakandi, Assam in collaboration with ICAR–Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (IIHR), Bengaluru, had successfully organized a Training Programme on Improved Varieties & Technologies of IIHR, Soil Health Management, and Use of ICAR–IIHR-developed Bio-fertilizers & Plant Nutrient Products under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) scheme of ICAR-IIHR. The programme aimed to empower Tribal farmers with modern Horticultural Technologies and Sustainable Soil Health Management Practices to enhance productivity, income, and livelihood security in the district.

Dr. T.H. Singh, Principal Scientist & Nodal Officer, Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP), ICAR–IIHR, Bengaluru participated as the Chief Guest. Dr. Singh inaugurated the programme and delivered an in-depth inaugural address on improved varieties and bio-fertilizer-based nutrient management for sustainable production . He also highlighted vatieties and technologies developed by ICAR-IIHR. Seeds of IIHR vegetable varieties such as Chilli viz; Arka Haritha, Arka Gagan, Arka Tanvi, Tomato hybrid Arka Samrat, Arka Rakshak, Arka Abhed, Brinjal Arka Keshav, Arka Avinash and cucumber Arka Veera were distributed to the participating farmers. Dr. Singh urged them to adopt these innovations for higher yield and better resilience against pests and diseases.

The Guests of Honour included Dr. Shubodeep Roychoudhury, Associate Professor (Life Science), Assam University, Silchar; Dr. Vikash Pali, Senior Scientist (Genetics and Plant Breeding) and Dr. Anandi Lal Jat, Senior Scientist (Agronomy), ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Mizoram Centre; and Dr. Ratan Kumar, Principal, S.S. College, Hailakandi. Their presence enriched the programme and provided valuable insights into region-specific technologies and research linkages.

A total of 124 tribal farmers representing the villages of Pedlapunjee, Raifal Mara, Gharmura, Katanala, Kundanala, and Garodpunjee actively participated in the training. The technical sessions covered a wide range of topics including vegetable seed production, natural farming techniques, sustainable horticultural practices and the use of bio-fertilizers. Dr. Roychoudhury spoke on the livelihood development of tribal farmers by using IIHR technologies while Dr. Pali emphasized on the seed production technology at farmers’ fields. Furthermore, Dr. Jat aware the farmers on the importance of Natural farming in maintaining environment, human health and sustainable production of agriculture.

An interactive Farmers–Scientists Interface allowed participants to discuss local farming challenges and receive practical solutions from experts of IIHR, ICAR–Mizoram Centre, and KVK Hailakandi. The programme was smoothly coordinated by the KVK team comprising Dr. Bijoy Chhetri (SMS, Animal Science), Dr. Saurabh Sarma (SMS, Plant Protection), Mr. Raja Ram Bunker (SMS, Horticulture), Mr. Angom Baleswar Singh (SMS, Fishery Science) and Mrs. Kabita C. Sarma (Prog. Asst., Food Scie. / Home Sci.) Under the dynamic leadership of Dr. Yogisharadhya R., Senior Scientist & Head, ICAR–KVK Hailakandi.

Later in the day, Dr.T.H. Singh visited Farm and other facilities of KVK. This training programme marked an important step towards strengthening the adoption of IIHR technologies, enhancing soil health management practices, and improving the livelihoods of tribal farming communities in Hailakandi, thereby contributing to sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture in the region.