With an aim to strengthen farmers’ capacity and promote entrepreneurship in soybean-based products, a four-day hands-on training program on improved soybean production commenced at Ikop Ningthou Laibung in Heirok Part II.
The program was inaugurated by Heirok AC MLA, Dr. Thokchom Radheshyam Singh, who emphasized that Heirok has strong potential to emerge as a leading soybean-producing region in Manipur if farmers adopt efficient and scientific cultivation methods. He stated that the promotion of hawaijar (fermented soybean) farming could significantly enhance local income while improving nutritional intake.
The training program, held from March 24 to 27 under the theme “Improved Method on Soybean Production,” is being organized by the Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, in association with Prem Dhara, an NGO. The initiative aims to equip farmers with modern cultivation techniques while encouraging value addition and entrepreneurship in soybean-based ventures.
Speaking at the occasion, Professor K. Nandini Devi, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Iroisemba, highlighted that hawaijar is a rich source of plant protein and offers multiple health benefits, including potential roles in cancer prevention and women’s health.
She also elaborated on ongoing initiatives under the All India Coordinated Research Project on Post-Harvest Engineering and Technology (AICRP on PHET) to develop market-oriented soybean products.
A total of 70 trainees are participating in the program. Technical sessions are being conducted by Dr. Thangjam Anand Singh, senior scientist at CAU, along with Sanasam Menthoibi Devi, an agri-entrepreneur from Thoubal, who is providing practical insights into soybean cultivation and processing.
The initiative forms part of a broader effort to integrate traditional farming practices with modern scientific approaches, positioning Heirok as a potential hub for nutrient-rich crop production in Manipur.
