OUR CORRESPONDENT
TEZPUR: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sonitpur observed 'World Pulses Day' on February 10 with the theme 'Pulses to empower youth in achieving sustainable agri-food systems'.
It was observed with an aim to make the farmers and students aware about the importance of pulse crops to maintain household food security and to build economic stability. Dr. Arifa Momtaz Begum, in charge Head of KVK, welcomed all the participants and discussed about the importance of pulse crops for a balanced diet. Significance of 'World Pulses Day' was elaborated by Dr. Roji Chutia, Subject Matter Specialist (Agronomy). To popularize the cultivation of pulse crops KVK, Sonitpur organized three training programmes on scientific cultivation and post harvest technologies of pulse crops.
In connection with 'World Pulses Day', an extempore speech competition was organized among the participants where they participated very actively. The competition was supervised by Angana Sarmah, Subject Matter Specialist (Horticulture). Dr Namita Dutta, Subject Matter Specialist (Soil Science), in her speech emphasized the usefulness of these crops in climate change mitigation since they can reduce dependence on artificial fertilizers for inducing nutrients such as nitrogen into the soil. She also highlighted that these legumes also improve the soil fertility and soil biodiversity and keep harmful pests away.
Rangoli was prepared by Pompy Bora and Sarmistha Borgohain with different pulses to give practical knowledge of identifying the same. An exhibition was also organized where different pulse varieties were showcased to have knowledge on cultivation practices, uses and value addition. The students under Rural Agricultural Work Experience Programme stationed at KVK, Sonitpur also participated in the programme and shared their knowledge on pulse crops.
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