BASAR, 10 Feb: Under the PM SHRI school initiative, 72 students along with teachers from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Kombo, West Siangdistrict, participated in an educational exposure visit to the ICAR-Arunachal Pradesh Centre here in Leparada district on Tuesday.
The visit was organised to familiarise the students with scientific agricultural research, sustainable farming practices, and career opportunities in agriculture.
ICAR AP Centre Head (i/c) Dr Raghuveer Singhelaborated the mandates, objectives, and significant research achievements of the centre. He also provided insights into mushroom production technologies, emphasising their role in income generation and nutritional security.
Agronomy senior scientist Dr Sanjay Kumar Pandeyexplained various agronomical crops and highlighted the functioning of the integrated farming system adopted at the centre, while soil science expert Dr Ampee Tasung spoke on potential crops of the region and stressed the importance of vermicomposting in promoting sustainable agriculture.
GPB senior scientist Dr Patu Kate Zeliang spoke on the crop cafeteria, crop diversification, and the conservation of plant germplasm, highlighting their significance in climate-resilient farming.
The students were further enlightened by animal reproduction senior scientist Dr Binod Kumar Dutta Borah, who spoke on animal husbandry practices and highlighted the crucial role of livestock in integrated farming systems. Fruit science expert Dr T Angamiintroduced the students to a range of horticultural and exotic fruit crops, showcasing their commercial and nutritional importance.
As part of the exposure programme, the students visited several research and demonstration units, including the mushroom museum, crop cafeteria, exotic fruit blocks, dairy and animal science unit, integrated farming system unit, meteorological unit, agroforestry block, and potential crops block. The visit offered hands-on learning experiences and generated keen interest among the students in agricultural science and innovation.
The exposure visit strengthened the students’ understanding of modern agriculture and reinforcedthe importance of research-driven and sustainable farming practices for the future.
