ATMA holds training on FAW management and mushroom cultivation

Dimapur, May 25 (EMN): Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Kobulong block organised training on scientific management of fall armyworm (FAW) in maize and a demonstration on oyster mushroom cultivation.

An update stated that the one-day training programme was conducted at Yimchalu village in Mokokchung district on May 22. Kajenchila Longchar, AO (Agri dept.) and BTT convenor was the resource person. It said that she stressed on the metamorphosis, identification and management strategies of FAW in maize production.

Later, a demonstration on oyster mushroom cultivation was carried out. The resource person Nuksungingla Jamir, ATM imparted hands on demonstration on method of cultivation practices such as selection of substrate, different methods of sterilisation, substrates preparation, inoculation of spawn, and maintenance of cropping room. To further encourage the farmers, printed leaflets, spawn of oyster mushrooms, and bio-control pesticides were distributed to the farmers. Importance of M-Kisan SMS portal registration to enable and to provide data advisories and information regarding agricultural practices through SMS to farmers were also highlighted.

Altogether 20 farmers attended the training and demonstration programme.

Meanwhile, ATMA Kobulong block also organised a farmer’s exposure visit to shiitake mushroom production unit in Mopungchuket village on May 21.

The resource person Iminungsang, a shiitake progressive farmer shared on how he ventured into this farming .It said that he shared his knowledge on cultivation methods and the economic value of shiitake mushrooms. He further urged and encouraged his fellow farmers to venture into this type of farming as it is cost effective and consumes less time for production.

Nuksungingla Jamir elaborated on awareness of identification, lifecycle and management strategies for FAW. ATMA staff along with 25 farmers went for the exposure visit.