ATMA Mokokchung conducts training on cultivation of high-value vegetables

Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Mokokchung, conducted a six-day Skill Training of Rural Youth (STRY) programme on ‘cultivation of high-value vegetables’.

It was organised in association with SAMETI, Medziphema, and MANAGE, Hyderabad, from February 6 to the 11th at Sangtemla community hall, Mokokchung.

The training programme is aimed to impart necessary skills to enhance the ability and opportunities of income generation and sustainable livelihood of rural youths in agri-based vocational areas, stated a press release by DAO and PD, ATMA Mokokchung.

The training programme started with an inaugural programme chaired by Block Technology Manager, ATMA, Ongpangkong North Block, Mokokchung, Watisenla Imchen.

DAO and PD ATMA, Mokokchung, B lmti Tzudir, in his keynote address stressed on the main objective of the programme – to empower the youths of rural areas with adequate skill set to enable them to find employment in relevant sectors and also improve productivity.

He also gave a brief introduction about the programme and highlighted the participants about the skill-based programme.

He further encouraged the trainees to actively participate in the training programme to improve their skills and knowledge.

Resource persons for the technical session included horticulture extension assistant, Tekasangla, district horticulture officer, Tajungsola Jamir ATM, and Nuksunginla Jamir, ATM, Mokokchung.

Topics on scope and significance of high-value vegetables; production technology of colecrops- brocolli, cabbage and cauliflower; package practices of root vegetables- Carrot, knol khol, beet root; cultivation practices of chilli, okra and garden pea; importance of crop rotation, crop calendar, seed treatment; and IPM on high value vegetable crops were covered.

On-farm practical sessions on nursery management, raising seeds in seedling tray, seed treatment, mode of fertilisers, irrigation system and identification of pests were conducted. The programme concluded with discussion and interaction to exchange experiences and views on different problems in agriculture with special reference on vegetable cultivation.

SDAO and BIT convenor, ATMA Mokokchung, T Mayang Ao, delivered the valedictory speech and distributed certificates to all the participants.

Evaluation and feedback from the participants were also collected. Inputs such as tools, seeds, biopesticides, bio-control agents and green shade net were distributed to the participants, it stated. Dimapur, Feb. 13 (EMN)