Chandel, 18/03/2026: In a significant move toward enhancing nutritional security and boosting farm income in the region, ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Chandel organized a specialized “Field Day” today at M Gamnom Village, situated within the Sajiktampak, Chakpikarong block, Chandel District. The event focused on the performance and benefits of the IPL 220 lentil variety, drawing 20 progressive farmers from the village and its surrounding areas.
Addressing the gathering, Ts. Leenda Monsang, Subject Matter Specialist (Plant Breeding), provided an in-depth technical overview of the IPL 220 variety. She emphasized that this specific variety has been meticulously developed for the North East Plain Zone (NEPZ) of India, making it ideally suited for the local agro-climatic conditions of Chandel. She highlighted that unlike traditional varieties, IPL 220 is biofortified, which is naturally bred to contain higher levels of essential micronutrients. She explained that the lentil variety is rich in Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), and Selenium (Se) and stated that “the variety is not just a crop; it is a tool to combat ‘hidden hunger’ and micronutrient deficiencies, particularly among women and children in our rural communities.”
The variety boasts high resistance to major threats such as Rust, Fusarium Wilt, and Stemphylium Blight, significantly reducing the need for chemical interventions. It reaches maturity within 120–125 days, offering a substantial potential yield of 15–20 quintals per hectare.
The programme was graced by the presence of the Village Chief, Lunkhopao, along with representatives from the Kana Area farmers. From the KVK side, Ps. Lavid Anal, SMS (Horticulture), and Dehkhohao Doungel, Technical Officer (CA), were also present to facilitate the interaction and address farmer queries regarding crop management, its diversification and mobile advisory.
The Field Day concluded with a crop demonstration, where farmers observed the standing crop’s health and vigour. The successful showcase of IPL 220 underscores KVK Chandel’s commitment to introducing climate-resilient and nutritionally superior crop varieties to the doorsteps of tribal farmers.
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