Empowering Environmental Stewardship and Agricultural Resilience: PFRI's Vibrant Foundation Day Celebrations

On February 9th, the Progyan Foundation for Research and Innovation (PFRI) commemorated its foundation day with a vibrant array of on-field activities aimed at promoting environmental conservation and sustainable agriculture. The day commenced with a dedicated session focused on capacity building for mangrove monitoring and conservation, with a specific emphasis on involving women mangrove stewards in these efforts. Through interactive session and hands-on training, participants were equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively monitor and safeguard mangrove ecosystems, highlighting the importance of gender-inclusive conservation practices.
Simultaneously, another key agenda of the day was the assessment and rejuvenation of the seed bank housing indigenous Salt-tolerant paddy (STP) species. This initiative aimed to preserve and promote the genetic diversity of salt-tolerant rice varieties, thereby contributing to resilient agricultural practices in coastal areas prone to salinity intrusion. Furthermore, the foundation day celebrations included a stimulating focus group discussion engaging women farmers on the topic of indigenous salt-tolerant paddy varieties. By actively involving women farmers in these discussions, PFRI underscored its commitment to empowering local communities and promoting gender equity in agricultural development initiatives.
Overall, the foundation day of PFRI was marked by a diverse range of activities aimed at fostering environmental stewardship, enhancing agricultural resilience, and empowering local communities, reaffirming the foundation's dedication to research, innovation, and inclusive development.