Port Blair, Mar 02: With an objective to improve livelihood and nutritional security of tribal farmers through the introduction of pulse crops under tribal sub plan, twin training programmes on pulse crops was conducted in association with KVK, Nicobar from 17-19 February and 21-25 February, 2014 at Big Lapathy, Teetop and Mus cluster of villages , by Dr. A. K. Singh, Sr. Scientist, Division of Field Crops, CARI under the leadership and guidance of Dr. S. Dam Roy, Director, CARI.
While imparting the scientific and technical know how and do how , Dr Singh highlighted on various technological interventions needed for improving pulse cultivation with respect to the nutritional aspect and prospects of pulses for crop diversification at Car Nicobar. He also educated the farming community of the villages on adoption of pulses cultivation in Car Nicobar. During training, first time the cultivation of mungbean, urdbean and cowpea (legume type) in Big Lapathy and Teetop was introduced, while in Mus Village few high yielding varieties of mungbean, urdbean and cowpea along with their production technology for more popularization of such crops was done. Method demonstrations on land preparation, sowing of mungbean, urdbean and cowpea at Community Village Garden of Big Lapathy and farmers field of Mus Village was done in participatory mode. Vegetable kits were also given to the farmers of Teetop village.
Shri K. C. Paul, Vice Chairman, Tribal Council, Chief Guest during the valedictory function emphasized the usefulness of training programme on pulse, which will benefit the farmers community as a whole as it is going to supplement nutrition in the diet and also make the soil healthy. He also distributed certificates to the trainees. Shri Martin Luther, Secretary, Tribal Council, Car Nicobar graced the programme as guest of honour. First captain Shri Michal Jhony of Big Lapathy, First Captain Shri John Levi of Mus and Shri Prophet Paul of Teetop participated in the respective training programmes. The team comprising of Dr. Viveka Nand Singh, Dr. Z. George, Mr. T. Ravi Kumar SMS’s and Mr. A.K. Pandey facilitated the conduct of training cum demonstration programme at different villages of Car Nicobar
