ICAR-KVK Chandel Hosts Training on Low-Cost Brushwood Dams

CHANDEL, 2/9/2026: As part of its continuous commitment toward farmers' welfare, ICAR-KVK, Chandel organized a training programme on the “Use of Locally Available Materials for Construction of Brushwood Dams” at Heibunglok village in Chandel district.

Dr. Kangjam Sonamani Singh, Subject Matter Specialist (Soil & Water Conservation), delivered the main lectures, stressing the importance of brushwood dams for resource conservation. He explained that these small, temporary, low-cost structures, built across narrow streams using wooden posts and bundled tree branches, effectively slow water velocity, trap sediment, and stop soil erosion. Made entirely from local timber, twigs, and soil, they slow down fast-moving rainwater runoff and catch silt to level out eroded land.

Dr. Singh emphasized that these eco-friendly structures are a boon for tribal farmers, offering an accessible way to manage land degradation without expensive infrastructure or heavy machinery. Because they use cheap, locally sourced vegetation, local youth and farmers can easily construct them without engineering skills. Built from organic materials, they naturally degrade over time without leaving an artificial footprint. Notably, if constructed using fresh tree cuttings, the stakes can sprout roots, permanently binding and stabilizing the soil.

Dr. A. Ameeta Devi, Senior Scientist & Head of ICAR-KVK Chandel, urged farmers to be proactive regarding water conservation. She highlighted brushwood dams as a vital low-cost tool to counter erratic rainfall patterns caused by El Niño, adding that dedicated farming would make the district self-reliant and prosperous.

The programme was also attended by Dr. Khumlo Levish, SMS (Agronomy); Ts. Leenda Monsang, SMS(Plant Breeding); Ps. Lavid Anal, SMS (Horticulture); Kamei Super, Programme Assistant (Farm); and Hb. Lungni, Senior Research Fellow, NICRA Project. To support immediate cultivation, seeds of coriander, palak, and carrot were distributed to the participating farmers.

Chandel, 28/8/2025: Training programme on  seed production and plant protection was conducted from 26th - 28th, August, 2025 at Ziontlang village. The trraining was organised under Plant Breeding of KVK Chandel. The main resource person was Ts. Leenda Monsang, SMS (Plant Breeding). During the training period  group meeting and field visit were conducted to dissiminate awareness on the plant protection and identification of offtypes and rouging in the pre - flowering stage of rice. 20 farmers have participated the training, and input distribution like PP chemical were provided to the farmers.

Chandel, 25.8.2025: A training programme on Propagation of Ornamental and Seasonal Plants was held at KVK Chandel's Conference Hall. 20 farmers have participated the training. Ps. Lavid Anal, SMS (Horticulture) was the resource person. Dr. A. Ameeta Devi, Sr. Scientist & Head was also present at the trraining along with staff of KVK Chandel.

Chandel, 3/5/2025: Training on scientific cultivation of Millets was conducted at KVK Chandel Conference Hall from 1st - 3rd May, 2025. The main resource person was Dr. Kl. Levish Chongloi, SMS (Agronomy). The meeting was attended by Dr. Ameeta Devi, Sr. Scientist & Head and staff of KVK Chandel. 20 farmers have participated the training.

Chandel, 25/4/2025: Training on Quality Seed production on Soybean and Groundnut was conducted at KVK Chandel's Conference Hall from 23 - 25/4/2025. A total of 20 farmers attended the training. The main resource person was Ts. Leenda Monsang, SMS (Plant Breeding). The training was attended by staff of KVK Chandel and Sr. Scientist & Head, Dr. A. Ameeta Devi.

Chandel, May 26, 2025: In a proactive effort to enhance agricultural productivity and strengthen farmer awareness, the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Chandel, under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), successfully organized an Awareness-cum-Input Distribution Programme on Cereals, Pulses, and Oilseeds today as part of its ongoing Front Line Demonstration (FLD) initiatives.

The programme aimed to educate farmers on scientific cultivation techniques, improved crop varieties, and sustainable food production strategies. The event was led by Dr. Khumlo Levish, Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) in Agronomy, who served as the key resource person. She delivered an insightful session on the importance of adopting high-yielding, climate-resilient varieties of cereals, pulses, and oilseeds, while also sharing best practices for sustainable cultivation and integrated nutrient management.

The event saw the active participation of KVK experts, including Ts. Leenda Monsang, SMS (Plant Breeding), and Dr. K. Sonamani Singh, SMS (Agricultural Engineering), who provided technical guidance and valuable insights to farmers. The team emphasized the significance of varietal selection and modern agronomic techniques in enhancing farm productivity and profitability.

As part of the initiative, seed inputs were distributed to 20 selected farmers. The varieties provided included Rice (RC Maniphou-13), a high-yielding, disease-resistant variety well-suited to the region's agro-climatic conditions; Soybean (DSb 19 & DSb 32) both varieties offer improved resistance to pests and enhanced oil content and Blackgram (PU 31), an early maturing variety ideal for intercropping and efficient land utilization.

Farmers expressed their appreciation for the hands-on training and timely input distribution, highlighting the essential role of KVK Chandel in promoting scientific agriculture and sustainable farming practices.

This event marks another significant milestone in ICAR–KVK Chandel's commitment to empowering farmers through technology transfer, innovative research, and frontline demonstrations, fostering sustainable and inclusive growth in the district’s agricultural sector.

Training on Seed Production in Improved Rice Varieties Held at ICAR KVK Chandel

Chandel, May 16, 2025: A three-day training program on Seed Production in Improved Rice Varieties was successfully conducted from May 14 to 16, 2025 at ICAR Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Chandel. The program was organized under the Front Line Demonstration on Participatory Seed Production, with the goal of equipping farmers with essential knowledge and practices to produce high-quality seeds of improved rice varieties.

The technical session was conducted by Ts. Leenda Monsang, Subject Matter Specialist (Plant Breeding), who provided detailed guidance on scientific methods of seed production, varietal selection, field preparation, and pest and disease management.

To support practical application, quality seeds and plant protection (PP) chemicals were distributed to 20 participating farmers. These inputs were provided as part of the frontline demonstration to encourage adoption and enhance productivity at the grassroots level.

The program was attended by A. Ameeta Devi, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Chandel, and Ps. Lavid Anal, Subject Matter Specialist (Horticulture). Both emphasized the importance of farmer-led seed production in strengthening local seed systems, increasing income, and improving food security.

A highlight of the event was a motivational session by Mrs. Ds. Toreiphun, a progressive farmer from the region, who shared her inspiring success story in seed production. She recounted her journey from conventional paddy cultivation to adopting improved seed production techniques with support from KVK Chandel. Her efforts not only enhanced her own farm yields but also enabled her to supply quality seeds to farmers, fostering a spirit of collaboration and self-reliance within the farming community. Her story served as a powerful encouragement for fellow participants, demonstrating the real-world benefits of scientific farming practices.

The training concluded on a positive note with active engagement from farmers and a renewed commitment to promoting participatory seed production for sustainable agriculture in Chandel district.