ATMA Mokokchung conducts demonstration, capacity building programmes

Dimapur, April 20 (EMN): A demonstration on cultivation practices of ridge gourd and sponge gourd was conducted by Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Ongpangkong South block, Mokokchung at Khensa and Longkhum village on April 18.

Resource person Akangjungshi Jamir, Assistant Technology Manager (ATM), ATMA highlighted the importance of clean cultivation and awareness on some major pests and diseases of the cucurbits and its management practices, an update informed.

Altogether, 16 farmers attended the demonstration programme and inputs such as seeds, bio pesticides and farm tools were distributed among the farmers.

A capacity building programme on “Value addition of banana and ginger” was also conducted at Longkhum village on April 19.

Resource person Lipokrenla Pongen, ATM highlighted the importance of value addition for horticultural crops and the income generating means from perishing fruits after yield.

The farmers were taught a step-by-step process on preparation of banana cake with the available resources and ginger candy. The farmers were also taught the importance of proper packaging and labelling their products.

Inputs such as packaging materials and baking tools were distributed to the 16 farmers in attendance.

 Meanwhile, ATMA, Changtongya block, Mokokchung conducted a capacity building programme on “Value addition of brinjal (eggplant) and tomato” for Food Security Group (FSG’s) and Self Help Group (SHG’s) at Unger village on April 19.

Toshirenla T Longkumer, ATM educated on the step-by-step procedures to prepare brinjal pickle and tomato sauce. The purpose of the training was to ensure the reduction of losses and increase the profit of farm women involved in the cultivation of fruits and vegetables through processing.

Later, zip pouches and glass jars were distributed to each farmer. A total of 25 female farmers attended the training programme.

A demonstration was also conducted on “Cultivation practices of okra” with Tajungsola Jamir, ATM, Changtongya block as the resource person. Preparation of seedbed followed by seed sowing with proper spacing requirement of the plant was demonstrated.

Further, the farmers were highlighted on the importance of irrigation during flowering and pot formation stage, identification and management of some important pests and diseases associated with the crop.

Altogether, 15 female farmers attended the demonstration programme. Inputs like seeds and bio-pesticides were distributed to each farmer.