Tuber crops could solve future food crisis in Manipur

Imphal/December 16, 2013: As per the current trend of global alteration of environment, crop yield after 20 years from now will be significantly reduced and hence we should prepare for an alternative arrangement to tackle food problem likely to be encountered in the future.

This was stated by Dr AK Bijaya, associate professor, CAU, Iroishemba during the one day awareness programme held on the topic “Tuber crops based farming system for sustainable production and income generation” at Khonghampat Awang Leikai today. The programme was also attended by Dr N Iboton, dean, CAU, Professor Dr N Ram Singh, head of economics department, CAU and retired advocate Th Sanajaoba, who is president of EFC Khonghampat as chief guest, guest of honour and functional president respectively.

Giving key-note address of the programme, Dr AK Bijaya, who is also CAU in-charge of All India coordinated Research project on Tuber crops, further stated that global population has been increasing by the day and on the contrary farming area is decreasing thereby reducing crop yield. “Amidst the scenario, the changing global environment phenomenon has also significantly affected agricultural productions and hence we need to change our current food habit”, Bijaya stated.

Locally available Tuber crops like Mangra, Pan, U-Mangra and Haa etc. which grow easily in any soil contain high carbohydrates and these crops could be a replacement for rice, Bijaya said and adds that these crops are not easily affected by changing atmosphere.

While stating that Tuber crops generally does not require much water or affects production, Bijaya further said the CAU has been conducting research on Tuber crop since the year 2006. Developed countries like Japan had already produced fuel out of Tuber crops apart from using the crop in production of daily essential items.

In his speech during the programme, Dr N Ram Singh said “If Tuber crops could replace one out of two meals daily, it could certainly help in developing out economy”. Some states in India had already started giving Tuber crop an item of Mid-Day Meal scheme and this could be followed in Manipur too, Ram Singh added.

In his speech, Dr N Iboton Singh, Dean College of Agriculture has regretted  that there has been no arrangement for providing yearlong irrigation facilities to 1.5 lakhs Paris of agricultural land in the state and added that agricultural cultivation in Manipur is entirely dependent on the blessings of the almighty.

While stating that it is not an easy task to provide enough food for state’s population of 30 lakhs, Iboton stressed the need to give more emphasis on sustainable agricultural production.

During the technical session of the programme, Dr. Kh Ibohal, assistant Professor, CAU delivered a lecture on the topic ‘Protection of Tuber crops from biotic crest” while subject matter specialist of the KVK Imphal East S Mosibala talked on the subject ‘Value added products of Tuber crops”. Dr Th Ranadhir of the CAU also spoke on the topic “Role of Tuber crops in successful management of piggery”.

Source: NAHAROLGI THOUDANG NEWS

CAU to introduce PhD programmes in six new departments

Imphal/Dec 13, 2012:  Efforts are on to open PhD programmes in eight departments of Central Agricultural University (CAU) Imphal from the coming academic session, said Dean Professor N Iboton Singh of CAU. He stated this in his presidential speech at the prize distribution programme of the ‘19th College Week 2012’ of this university.

Professor Iboton said that PhD can be done in ‘Plant Breeding and Genetics’ and ‘Soil Science and Agri-chemistry’ at present. The university is trying to award doctorate degree in eight departments from the coming academic session. Departments of Agronomy, Plant Pathology, Entomology, Horticulture, Agri Extension and Agri Economics are in six new departments in which PhDs will be awarded. CAU will take three seats each for every department. The university, which was established in 1993, has a total strength of around 400 students today in BSc, MSc and PhD programmes.

Professor Iboton also emphasised the need for students to participate in ‘College Week 2012’ as engaging in co-curricular activities will help stay fit and, added they should not concentrate on academics only. The university has produced many brilliant students so far, with some students topping in Agricultural Research Service (ARS) exams conducted by ICAR. Yoga classes are conducted and a gym has been opened here for the students and the staffs, he informed.

Today’s chief guest Professor M Rohinikumar, who is the Director of Research CAU, said that the university is progressing at a fast pace comparing to the rest of the established universities of the country. It has made exceptional achievements in the fields of academic, research and extension department. CAU is one of those universities which has produced good number of JRFs. It has also produced nine successful technologies including ‘CAU R3’, and is also marching ahead in the field of crop improvement and farming in hill districts. As the largest demonstration farm in the country, the university is also planting oil-yielding mustard seeds in an area of 1000 hectares in one time.

The guest of honour, Professor M Premjit Singh, Director of Extension Education CAU said that CAU is working at its best to bring agricultural development in the north-east region and also to produce human resource successfully. Technologies are also made available to poor farmers, and will promote ‘value-based education’. He added that College Week will help in inculcating health and responsibilities to the students.

The week was held from November 24 to December 5 and included many sports, cultural and literary events. The prizes to the winners of the events were also distributed today.

Source: The People's Chronicle

Training on Commodity Futures Market at College of Agriculture

IMPHAL/Dec 6: a two-day training programme on 'Commodity Futures Market' organised by Directorate of Extension Education, Central Agricultural University (CAU) commenced from today at the Assembly Hall of College of Agriculture, CAU.

The training programme inauguration was held with the attendance of Director (Research) CAU Dr M Rohinikumar Singh, College of Agriculture Dean Dr N Iboton Singh, Assistant Managing Director of Ahmedabad-based National Multi-Commodity Exchange of India Ltd Dinesh Shukla and CAU's Director of Extension Education Dr M Premjit Singh as the presidium members.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr N Iboton suggested that along with conducting such training programmes in order to facilitating marketing of farmers' produce the farmer community should consult subject experts to store and streamline marketing of farm goods in a profitable manner.

During the technical session, Dinesh Shukla elaborated on 'Evolution of Commodity Derivative Market in India', Community Derivative Contract', 'Market Operations & Risk Management' and 'Regulatory Environment in India' along with a detailed presentation on a documentary about future marketing entitled 'Kal ki Soch', while Prof Dr N Ram Singh presented a paper on 'Problems & Prospects of Futures Market in NEH Region'.

Tuber crop based farming system for sustainable production

IMPHAL, Nov 26: A two-day state level trainers' training programme on tuber crop based farming system for sustainable production and income generation has been kick-started today at Central Agriculture University (CAU) Imphal.

The inaugural function of the training programme, organised by All India Coordinated Research Project on Tuber Crops, CAU, Imphal, was graced by Works Minister Dr Kh Ratankumar Singh as the chief guest.

Among others, the programme was also attended by Dr James George, Project Coordinator, AICRP-TC, CTCRI, Thiruvananthapuram; Dr M Ruhinikumar Singh, Director of Research, CAU, Imphal; Dr M Premjit Singh, Director of Extension, CAU, Imphal and Dr SN Puri, VC of CAU, Imphal.

Source: The Sangai Express  

Post Harvest Technology Programme on Ginger and Tumeric Begins

 Post harvest technology training programme on ginger and turmeric begins at CAU Imphal on July 23, 2012.

Agriculture Fair Kicks off at CAU

The Central Agricultural University invites you to the three day long Agriculture Fair 2011 which is open today (April 18) until April 20. The fair was officially opened today by  Shri  Gurbachan Jagat, H.E., the Governor of Manipur who graced the function as Chief Guest; Shri Rishang Keishing, Hon’ble MP (Rajya Sabha); Shri Thokchom Meinya, Hon’ble MP (Lok Sabha); Shri P. Parijat Singh, Hon’ble Minister (Agri/Lab & Emp/CAD), and Dr. S.N. Puri as President. The opening function was also graced by Smt. Kiran Jagat, First Lady of Manipur.

Welcoming the dignitaries, VIPs, media and farmers, Dr. S. N. Puri has said that the CAU Agri Fair is being organized for the first time in Manipur by the University. Last year, the Central Agricultural University had organized North East Agri Fair at Imphal for the first time. Looking to the excellent response from farming community and their demands to organized such fairs, this year, University is organizing the CAU Agri Fair on its own. The fair is a show-case of the achievements of the Central Agricultural University, ICAR Institutes and government Departments and also an occasion for the Agricultural Scientist to share their experiences and to get scientific input to develop and improve the agricultural technologies and an occasion to interact closely with the farmers of the state.

Dr. Puri also highlighted the achievements of the University. In his word, “The Central Agricultural University is on its path to help the farmers in the region to live a comfortable life and with a view to achieve this in Agriculture, allied disciplines; the University has as many as 134 Intramural Research Projects and need based location specific problems. 75 projects have been completed and 59 projects are ongoing as on today. In addition to internally funded research projects, there are 74 externally funded research projects. Out of which 41 projects are funded by ICAR while 33 projects funded by different funding agencies namely DBT, DST, DAC ICMR, etc.”

Shri Rishang Keishing requests all ministers of North East states to use the funds sanctioned by Centre to utilize in agriculture development. The University should test the land, the crops and cultivable crops must be available to farmers to make state Manipur developed in farm sector. Agriculture should provide direct employment to the people of Manipur.

However, Shri Thokchom Meinya points out that the state government should look into the unauthorized encroachers of University land.  Production of high yielding seeds, poultry and experimenting various crops requires large area of farm land which is not provided by the State government. Shri Meinya also stressed on developing technology since without technology, nothing is possible.

Shri P. Parijat recollects the various achievements of the University and thanked the scientists and faculties for  providing  many high yielding varieties of  grains.  He requested the  CAU scientists to  focus on producing crops which are favourable in less rainfall as Manipur is not advanced in farm irrigation.

His Excellency, the Governor of Manipur Shri Gurbachan Jagat encourages the work of Central Agricultural University in the fields of crop improvement, crop production, natural resource management, crop protection, livestock and fish husbandry, post-harvest technology and extension education.  He applauds the CAU Agri Fair 2011 as timely and appropriate in the quest for enhanced growth in the hill region not only for enhanced productivity, but also for improvement in sustainability, stability, equity, that will elevate the quality and value addition for making agriculture more remunerative and improve the quality of life of the farmers.

Today, a Souvenir was released by H.E. Shri Gurbachan Jagat; Farm magazine by Shri P.Parijat; CAU Research Newsletter by Shri Rishang Keishing and Compendium on KVKs and Extension Education by Shri Thokchom Meinya. Paddy seeds were distributed to selected five farmers and another five farmers were selected and provide one day old chicks on the occasion of the fair.

The three day long fair is having more than 50 stalls displaying various agro based products and latest technologies on farm.  Major events will be farmers- scientists’ interaction, flower show, dog show   and cultural events.

Read more at The Manipur Journal