In a pivotal effort to enhance nutritional security and farmer income in the region, ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Chandel organized a specialized “Field Day” on Wednesday at M Gamnom Village in the Sajiktampak-Chakpikarong block, Chandel District. The event showcased the IPL 220 lentil variety, attracting 20 progressive farmers from the village and surrounding areas. Ts. Leenda Monsang, Subject Matter Specialist in Plant Breeding, addressed attendees with a detailed technical overview of the IPL 220 variety, noting its specific development for the North East Plain Zone (NEPZ) of India, which aligns with the local agro-climatic conditions of Chandel.
Monsang underscored that IPL 220 is biofortified, bred to possess higher concentrations of essential micronutrients, including Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), and Selenium (Se). She described the varietal offering as not simply a crop, but a significant means to alleviate “hidden hunger” and combat micronutrient deficiencies, especially among women and children in rural communities. With a maturity period of 120–125 days and a promising potential yield of 15–20 quintals per hectare, IPL 220 also demonstrates high resistance to major diseases such as Rust, Fusarium Wilt, and Stemphylium Blight, which notably diminishes reliance on chemical treatments.
The event was attended by the Village Chief, Lunkhopao, along with representatives from local farming communities. The KVK team included Ps. Lavid Anal, SMS (Horticulture), and Dehkhohao Doungel, Technical Officer (CA), who facilitated discussions and addressed farmer inquiries about crop management and diversification, as well as providing mobile advisory services. The Field Day concluded with a crop demonstration, allowing farmers to witness the health and vigor of the IPL 220 crop firsthand. This successful event highlights KVK Chandel’s commitment to introducing climate-resilient and nutritionally superior crop varieties directly to tribal farmers, reinforcing agricultural development in the region.
