In a significant effort to improve nutritional security and increase farm income, the ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Chandel conducted a “Field Day” on Wednesday in M Gamnom Village, Chandel District. This event highlighted the IPL 220 lentil variety, which attracted 20 progressive farmers from the region. Ts. Leenda Monsang, a Subject Matter Specialist in Plant Breeding, provided a technical overview of IPL 220, emphasizing its development for the North East Plain Zone (NEPZ) of India, tailored to the agro-climatic conditions of Chandel. Unlike traditional varieties, IPL 220 is biofortified, with higher levels of iron, zinc, and selenium, aiming to combat hidden hunger and micronutrient deficiencies, especially in women and children. This variety exhibits resistance to diseases such as Rust, Fusarium Wilt, and Stemphylium Blight, lessening reliance on chemical treatments. With a maturity period of 120–125 days and a potential yield of 15–20 quintals per hectare, it holds promise for local farmers. The event was attended by Village Chief Lunkhopao and Kana Area farmer representatives, while KVK personnel, including Ps. Lavid Anal and Dehkhohao Doungel, engaged with farmers on crop management and diversification. The day concluded with a demonstration of the crop’s health, reinforcing KVK Chandel’s dedication to promoting climate-resilient and nutritionally advantageous crop varieties for tribal farmers.
Imphal