ICAR-VPKAS, Almora organized a training programme on “Parvatiya Kshetron Me Jaivsudhrikrit Sankar Makka Ki Unnat Utpadan Takniki Evam Sankar Makka Ka Beejotpadan”

ICAR-Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan, Almora organized a 2-day training programme on “Parvatiya Kshetron Me Jaivsudhrikrit Sankar Makka Ki Unnat Utpadan Takniki Evam Sankar Makka Ka Beejotpadan” from 28.02.2023 to 01.03.2023 under the DBT Biofortifed Maize Project. Director, ICAR-VPKAS, Almora Dr. Lakshmi Kant inaugurated the programme. In his introductory remarks, he highlighted the nutritional importance of quality protein maize (QPM) and urged the farmers to take up QPM cultivation and hybrid seed production for enhancing their incomes. He informed that the biological value of QPM is close to milk. The farmers, therefore, should grow QPM and consume QPM to ensure balanced nutrition in their diet. He encouraged farmers to undertake hybrid maize seed production, which will provide farmers with more income. Dr. R.K. Khulbe provided an overview of the topics covered in the training programme Dr. N.K. Headu, Head, Crop Improvement Division urged farmers to grow quality protein maize to ensure nutritional health. Dr. R.K. Khulbe, Principal Scientist and Training Coordinator delivered a lecture on “Improved Maize production technology and hybrid seed production.” Dr. Devender Sharma, Scientist and Training Coordinator, delivered a lecture on “Role of biofortified maize in nutritional security and its value addition.” A hands-on training on maize hybrid seed production was also given to the farmers by Dr. G.S. Bisht and Mr. M.C. Pant.

A lecture on “Insect-pest management in the maize hybrid seed production” was delivered by Mr. Amit U. Paschapur. A hands-on training on the preparation of QPM Laddu and QPM  Namkeen was also given to the farmers by Mrs. Nidhi Kumari. A demonstration on the functioning of VL Maize Sheller was also provided to the farmers. During the concluding session, the feedback of the participants about the training programme was obtained and their queries were addressed by the programme co-ordinators. A total of 20 participants, including 2 female farmers, from Village Shama, Liti, Thuped, Kuldaudi, Bhatnikot and Bhanar of Kapkote Block, Distt. Bageshwar attended the programme. The programme ended with a formal vote of thanks to the participants. The Head Crop Improvement Division distributed certificates to the participants. The training programme was co-ordinated by Drs. Devender Sharma, R.K. Khulbe and R.S. Pal.