Winners of oral and poster presentation during the National Conference on “Harnessing Genetic Resources for Food Security: Innovations in Conservation and Utilization for Sustainable Crop and Livestock Improvement in the Northeast Region” in hybrid mode held from November 17–18.
MEDZIPHEMA, NOVEMBER 18 (MExN): The Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, in collaboration with the ICAR–National Research Centre on Mithun (ICAR-NRCM), organised a two-day National Conference on “Harnessing Genetic Resources for Food Security: Innovations in Conservation and Utilization for Sustainable Crop and Livestock Improvement in the Northeast Region” in hybrid mode on November 17–18.
At the inaugural session, Nagaland University Vice Chancellor Prof Jagadish K. Patnaik, speaking online as the Chief Guest, said the theme was timely and relevant for the Northeast, where food insufficiency is closely linked with changing lifestyles, fragile livelihoods and limited support to the farm and food sectors. He stressed that food security must be accompanied by food safety, noting that any violation of safety standards poses risks to both health and sustainability. He underscored the significance of research on genetic resources, conservation practices and innovative utilisation of indigenous crops and livestock to build resilience in the region.
ICAR-NRC Mithun Director Dr Girish Patil S. highlighted that Nagaland accounts for 98 per cent of the world’s Mithun population, found solely in the Northeastern region, and called for collaborative efforts to conserve this valuable genetic resource amid declining numbers. Pointing to rising temperatures and predictions of micro-climatic changes, he emphasised the urgency of strengthening in situ conservation. With around 180 participants, he said the conference would help shape strategies to conserve genetic resources and promote sustainable crop and livestock improvement.
Nagaland University Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Dipak Sinha said the conference was “truly multidisciplinary,” bringing together diverse scientific fields to address the broader goal of harnessing genetic resources for regional food security. Such integrative platforms, he said, are essential for advancing innovative approaches in conservation and sustainable agricultural development.
The inaugural programme featured compere duties by PhD scholar Nzanthung Ezung, invocation by Dr Razouninuo, and a welcome address and conference overview by Convenor and Head of Department, Prof Malini B. Sharma. The event brought together leading scientists, researchers, academicians and policymakers to deliberate on strategies to enhance food and nutritional security in the Northeast. The conference also received support from local advisors representing 11 departments of the School of Agricultural Sciences.
Distinguished guests included Dr A. Pattanayak, former Director, IIAB Ranchi; Dr Aditya Pratap, Project Coordinator, AICRP on Kharif Pulses, IIOR Kanpur; and Dr H. K. Bora, Chief Scientist, AAU. A vote of thanks was proposed by Dr Sanjeev Kumar Singh, Senior Scientist-cum-Head, ICAR-KVK Phek, and an e-book of the conference proceedings was released.
At the valedictory function on Day 2, Chief Guest Prof Pauline Alila, Dean of SAS: NU, said rural communities already possess rich traditional agricultural knowledge and time-tested techniques. She emphasised the need to integrate modern scientific research with traditional wisdom to strengthen sustainable agriculture. She called for conservation and improvement of traditional seed and animal varieties and for supporting farmers in adapting to climate challenges through close collaboration.
Over two days, the conference covered six major themes and recorded 185 registrations. Oral and poster presentations were delivered in online and offline modes by participants from across the country. The event featured 17 invited speakers, one plenary session and the participation of 35 RAWEP students from ICAR–IARI, Assam, Dhemaji.
List of Winners
Theme 1: Crop Improvement / Conservation for Sustainable Agriculture
• Oral: Tasnim Zumaina Mazumder, Debrup Sarkar, Kereirovinuo Vizo
Theme 2: Genetic Resources / Utilization for Enhancing Fruit & Vegetable Productivity
• Oral: Dr Kuruba Ajay Kumar
• Poster: Dr Kikrusenuo Kiewhuo; Kuvule Chotso
Theme 3: Plant Protection in Sustainable Agriculture
• Oral: Dr Tinatoly Sema; Dr Bendangsenla; Chumchanbeni Ngullie
• Poster: Bidisha Borgohain
Theme 4: Soil Health & Sustainable Crop Management Practices
• Oral: Rathod Sridar; Abekali A. Yemin; Asangla; Dr Debika Nongmaithem
• Poster: M.S. Paarshitha Reddy; Madhudwisha Chetia; Hapemo Ngullie K.
Theme 5: Socio Impacts & Extension Impacts on Agricultural Rural Livelihoods
• Oral: Jagdish Chaudhary
• Poster: Ngupnung J. Hentokhu
Theme 6: Integrated Genetics Innovation for Conservation & Sustainable Improvement of Mithun & Indigenous Livestock
• Oral: Dr Angughali Aheto Sumi; Dr S. Ragulraj
Online Oral Presentation Winners: Pranusha P., Themuti M., Chubasenla, Kumar Aditya, Asosii Paul, Datti Purushotama Rao
Online Poster Presentation Winners: Kurangana Chutia, Mateti Gayithri, Bandana Hijam
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