ICAR RC NEH, Umiam Organises Skill Development Workshop on Quality Seed Production Technology in Meghalaya

5 November 2026, Umiam, Meghalaya

The ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya, organised a Skill Development Workshop on “Quality Seed Production Technology: Sowing the Future” today, with the objective of enhancing the technical knowledge and skills of farmers, rural youth, extension personnel and other stakeholders in scientific seed production practices.

The programme was graced by Smt. M. Dkhar, Director (R&T), Government of Meghalaya; Shri I. B. Saiborn, Director (Food Processing), Government of Meghalaya; Dr G. Kadirvel, Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region; Smt. Monica, Deputy Director (Agronomy); and Shri Bashongdor, Joint Director (Administration and Accounts).

The workshop witnessed participation from the Directorate of Agriculture, Government of Meghalaya; District Agriculture Offices of Ri-Bhoi and East Khasi Hills; Research Officers from Shillong, Tura and Jowai; National Seeds Corporation; AICRI, Upper Shillong; ADO, Jirang; FPO, Tyrso; along with scientists, progressive farmers and other stakeholders.

The deliberations highlighted the critical role of quality seeds as the foundation of sustainable agriculture and a key determinant of crop productivity, food security and farmers’ income. Emphasis was laid on strengthening seed production systems, ensuring the availability of improved and regionally adapted varieties, and promoting scientific seed production practices among farming communities.

The discussions resulted in several key recommendations to strengthen the seed production ecosystem in Meghalaya. These included listing all Institute-released varieties on the SATHI portal for wider recognition and dissemination; submitting a list of recommended high-yielding crop varieties suited to the State’s agro-ecological conditions to the Government of Meghalaya for large-scale seed multiplication under various government missions; and identifying potential areas for targeted multiplication of soybean, millets and other crops through registered seed growers, state farms, Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and progressive farmers.

The participants also stressed the need to promote suitable seed storage and processing technologies adapted to Meghalaya’s agro-climatic conditions and establish processing and value-addition facilities for crops such as soybean and perilla. These interventions were identified as important for encouraging large-scale cultivation, strengthening market linkages and enhancing farmers’ income.

The workshop provided a platform for interaction and knowledge exchange among research institutions, government departments, extension agencies and farming communities. The deliberations underscored the importance of coordinated efforts to strengthen quality seed production, processing and distribution systems in Meghalaya, contributing to sustainable agricultural development and improved livelihood opportunities for farmers.

(Source: ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya)