A delegation from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for the North Eastern Hill (NEH) Region, Manipur Centre, led by S. Basanta Singh, Head of the Regional Centre, met the Manipur Chief Minister at the Secretariat on Tuesday to present an overview of ongoing initiatives to boost agricultural productivity and livelihoods across the state. The meeting outlined ICAR’s district-level outreach through Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), capacity-building programmes, crop research, and input support aimed at strengthening food security and farmer incomes.
ICAR officials told the Chief Minister that a strong network of KVKs across all districts remains central to promoting improved farming techniques, increasing rice productivity, and addressing region-specific challenges through research and training. The centre highlighted recent capacity-building activities, including a January 2026 training on “Pulse Production Technologies for Rice Fallow” and an eight-day March 2026 programme on “Recent Advances in Pulse Production Technologies.”
The centre has developed and promoted several high-yielding rice varieties — RC Maniphou-7, 10, 12 and 13 — which recorded yields of 5.6–6.8 tonnes per hectare in trials. ICAR-Lamphel has also launched RC-Manichakhao-1, a semi-dwarf, disease-resistant black rice variety designed to raise farmer incomes while preserving local culture. In March 2026 the centre distributed essential inputs to farmers, including piglets, fish fingerlings, ducklings and chicks, to support diversified and sustainable livelihoods.
Research priorities detailed at the meeting include promotion of high-value, low-volume crops and hybrids for capsicum, tomato and parthenocarpic cucumber, alongside active efforts to expand millet cultivation as a “smart food” to improve nutrition and enhance climate resilience through locally adapted varieties.
Responding on X (formerly Twitter), the Chief Minister described the meeting as “productive,” and said the Government of Manipur remains committed to close collaboration with ICAR “to ensure food security, empower our farmers, and meet the growing demands of our population.” Officials said the developments discussed reflect ICAR-Lamphel’s work and results from early 2026.
Original Source: https://nenow.in/north-east-news/manipur/manipur-cm-reviews-icar-roadmap-to-boost-agricultural-productivity-and-food-security.html
Category: Manipur,Northeast News,Top News
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Publish Date: 2026-03-31 23:31:00
