Officials along with the participants during the inaugural programme of the Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) conservation awareness programme-cum-training on organic farming at Agri Expo, Chümoukedima on February 19.
Experts call for collective action to protect biodiversity
Chümoukedima, February 20 (MExN): A three-day Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) conservation awareness programme-cum-training on organic farming commenced at Agri Expo, Chümoukedima on February 19.
The programme is being organised by the ICAR–National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi, in collaboration with the School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, and the Department of Agriculture, Government of Nagaland.
Sidramappa M Chalkapure, IFS, Chief Conservator of Forests (D&P) and Member Secretary of the State Biodiversity Board, Government of Nagaland, graced the inaugural programme as Special Guest, while Prof. Akali Sema, Professor In-charge, Research Cell, SAS, Nagaland University, chaired the session.
In his address, Chalkapure said the programme was significant as it brought together scientists, scholars, community leaders and farmers on a common platform to exchange knowledge, research findings and practical insights. He said such interactions help bridge the gap between scientific expertise and traditional wisdom, fostering sustainable practices. He appreciated the large number of farmers participating in the programme, representing all districts of the state.
He explained that there are two primary types of conservation — in-situ conservation, which protects species in their natural habitats, and ex-situ conservation, which involves preservation outside natural environments such as botanical gardens or seed banks. He said the programme exemplifies a combination of these approaches, with scientists contributing through ex-situ methods, while government departments focus on in-situ strategies supported by policies and field-level implementation.
Highlighting Nagaland’s ecological importance, he said the state forms part of the Indo-Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot, one of the 36 recognised hotspots worldwide, and stressed the need to preserve and safeguard natural resources for future generations. He urged participants to use the platform to enhance their understanding of preservation and conservation techniques, particularly for endemic plants and animals native to the state.
Chalkapure noted that every tribe in Nagaland possesses invaluable traditional knowledge related to the conservation of indigenous plants and crops, and stressed the need to document such practices while integrating modern scientific methods to improve their effectiveness.
Speaking on protected areas, he said Nagaland is home to one National Park and three Wildlife Sanctuaries, managed by the Forest Department and dedicated to the preservation and conservation of wild biodiversity. He emphasised that conservation is not the responsibility of the government alone and called upon farmers and village communities to actively participate in protecting land and natural resources.
Recalling that villages in Nagaland have traditionally preserved forests to protect water sources, plants and animals, he said such practices must continue while adapting to contemporary challenges.
He stated that community conservation has been practised in Nagaland since time immemorial and urged farmers and community leaders to sustain these traditions and share knowledge widely.
Citing Khonoma as an example, he referred to the alder-based agriculture system as a nature-based solution demonstrating how traditional practices can address modern environmental challenges.
In conclusion, he called upon scientists, communities and policymakers to work collectively to protect and preserve Nagaland’s rich biodiversity.
Dr Sushil Pandey, Principal Scientist, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi, briefed participants on the objectives of the programme and highlighted its key components. He informed that India hosts the second-largest gene bank in the world, referring to the National Gene Bank at ICAR-NBPGR. He further stated that the Government of India is committed to supporting the programme and reaffirmed its dedication to national biodiversity conservation efforts. He also informed that a second gene bank is proposed to be established in Himachal Pradesh.
The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof A K Singh, Centre In-charge, AICRN on Potential Crops, Department of Soil Science, SAS, Nagaland University.
The programme witnessed participation from farmers, scientists, students and officials from various departments.
