ATMA Mokokchung conducts various activities

DIMAPUR — The Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Mokokchung, Ongpangkong North Block, organised a farmer-scientist interaction on ‘good agricultural practices’ at Chuchuyimpang village on Monday.

According to a press release, the programme’s main focus was to provide farmers with knowledge and awareness about modern and sustainable agricultural practices in order to strengthen and adapt farmers’ capacities to changing circumstances in accordance with the farmers’ needs.

The statement mentioned that good agriculture practice, scientific cultivation, and increasing cultivation costs are some of the major concerns faced by farmers, and that the training was aligned with the need of farmers to address their concerns, such as identification and management of major pests and diseases in agriculture, horticultural crops, animal husbandry, and the use of various plant protection measures.

The programme was presided over by Block Technology Manager (BTM) Watisenla Imchen, ATMA Mokokchung, Ongpangkong North Block.

Assistant Chief Technical Officer Sarenti, Animal Science, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Yisemyong; Assistant Inspector Neken, Fishery Department, Mokokchung; Assistant Technology Manager (ATM) Nuksunginla Jamir; and ATM Tajungsola Jamir were the programme’s resource persons.

Farmers raised questions about crop production (early and late sowing), disease and pest management (such as fall army worm in maize and aphids in mustard), livestock (piggery and poultry), and orchard management (Mandarin orange) during the interaction session.

The primary objective of the programme was to assist farm owners in maximising their yield and optimising their business operations while simultaneously reducing costs and minimising environmental impact. In total, 21 farmers participated in the programme.

Mobilisation of Ten Sisters Food Security Group

ATMA Mokokchung, Ongpangkong North Block, mobilised a ‘Ten Sisters Food Security Group’ comprising 10 female members from Chuchuyimpang village on Monday.

The goal of the mobilisation is to encourage women farmers to start kitchen gardens in order to become self-sufficient and secure food security for themselves and their families, according to a press release.

On the occasion, Nuksunginla Jamir emphasised the importance of forming a group and imparting knowledge and resources to achieve shared benefits.

The group was also encouraged to develop self-help approaches, share production and marketing ideas, and create an environment for discussions, training, and information sharing.  The group’s responsibilities, such as bookkeeping, record keeping, electing a group representative, and assigning responsibilities, were also discussed.

She also advised the members to open bank accounts and keep records of their activities.