September 2, 2024: Dr. G. Kadirvel, Director, ICAR- ATARI, Zone VI, Guwahati, visited the Ziro Valley to spearhead a program aimed at establishing a Village Knowledge Bank in Hari village, which is located in the Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh. This initiative is mainly focused on preserving the rich indigenous knowledge and practices of the Apatani tribal community, particularly in the agri and allied sector. During his visit, Dr. Kadirvel engaged with local residents to explore and document the traditional wisdom of the Apatani people, ensuring the conservation of these valuable practices for future generations.

In addition to this, Dr. Kadirvel visited KVK Lower Subansiri and interacted with the staff and officials, presenting a detailed presentation on the on-going assignment to quantify the ecosystem services of Ziro Valley. His visit also included a brief tour of the KVK farm activities, during which he planted a Neem tree on the KVK campus, symbolizing his commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable agricultural practices.

The Village Knowledge Bank initiative is part of a broader strategy to empower rural communities by integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches. Director’s efforts underscore the importance of safeguarding cultural heritage while promoting innovative agricultural practices that can address contemporary challenges. His engagement with the local community and KVK officials highlights the collaborative approach needed to achieve sustainable development in the region.