ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Phek (ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun (NRCM), Medziphema), under ICAR ATARI Zone VII, Umiam, organized a five-day training program on Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) Conservation Awareness and Mushroom Cultivation Entrepreneurship Development from March 10 to 14, 2025.
The training was sponsored by ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi, under the NEH sub-plan, with a focused on PGR conservation awareness, mushroom cultivation, value addition of mushroom products, and entrepreneurship development in mushroom farming for the farmers of Phek district.
During the program, Senior Scientist and Head of ICAR-KVK Phek, Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Singh, emphasized the importance of PGR conservation for sustainable agriculture and mushroom farming entrepreneurship.
Principal scientist, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi, Dr. Jameel Akhtar, discussed NBPGR’s role in PGR conservation and delivered lectures on mushroom cultivation, covering key techniques, pest management, and success stories in mushroom farming.
SDHO and officer-in-charge of Horticulture Research Farm (HRF), Pfutsero, Kelhouzakie Chielie, gave a lecture on oyster mushroom cultivation and conducted a hands-on training session.
Dr. Sharanappa C. H. SMS (Plant Protection), lectured on Shiitake mushroom production technology, while SMS Agriculture Engineering, Dr. Venkatesh, discussed value addition of mushroom products. CTO-Soil Science, Dr. T. Esther Longkumer, explained the composting process for mushroom substrate, and CTO-Agronomy, Dr. Hannah K. Asangla, spoke on income-generating activities.
The training program included a farmer-scientist interaction session, where participants shared innovative farming practices and discussed challenges. At the end of each session, participants received valuable inputs under the NEH sub-plan, along with certificates.
The program concluded with a valedictory function on the final day, marking the successful completion of the five-day training. A total of 150 farmers from different parts of the district participated in the program.