SHILLONG: The Horticulture Division organised a field day on “Underutilised Legume Vegetables” on January 13 under Special central assistance to Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) with exporters stressing the need to tap the potential of these vegetables
Dr. A.K. Jha, Principal Scientist and Head of Horticulture Division in his address said that the objective of the programme is to expose the farmers to different leguminous crops and varieties. He also encouraged the farmers to take up the crops due to its richness in proteins, high market value, nitrogen fixation and drought tolerant.
Dr. A.K. Tripathi, Principal Scientist and Head of Social Science said that in Meghalaya, about 42% of population is under malnutrition and hence these crops will meet protein requirement.
“Children need more protein as it helps in body building and structure. People in the region consume more carbohydrate due to high price of protein sources from meat. These underutilized legumes are a good supplement of protein”, he added.
As many as 120 farmers attended the programme from different villages of Ri-Bhoi.
Others attended the event were Dr. A.K. Misra, Principal Scientist and I/C of NBPGR Regional Station and Dr. Satish Chandra, Principal Scientist & Head, Plant Protection.
