ATMA organises exposure tour, mobilises food security group

DIMAPUR — The Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Tseminyu district, organised a within-state farmers’ exposure tour to the Nagaland Potato Festival held at Jakhama, Kohima, on May 10.

According to an update, 19 people participated in the tour, comprising two ATMA officials, Dr. Vibeilie Joseph Keretsu, Block Technology Manager (BTM) and Sinlo Khing, Assistant Technology Manager (ATM), as well as 17 progressive farmers (eight females and nine males).

The team visited various stalls at the venue and spoke with some of the farmers. They acquired new knowledge by observing the farming practices employed by the farmers of Jakhama village.

The report characterised the tour as an informative experience for the farmers, as they had the opportunity to witness the potato harvest in the village, along with other agricultural products, which may or may not be staples in Tseminyu.

Additionally, they purchased various seeds for planting in Tseminyu, intending to experiment with the varieties observed in Jakhama.

ATMA Mokokchung: A farm school at Ungma village, an initiative of the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Mokokchung, Ongpangkong North Block, was inaugurated on Saturday.

Its aim is to promote farmer-to-farmer extension for the effective transfer of agricultural technology among the farming community.

During the inaugural programme, Tajungsola Jamir, ATM of Ongpangkong North Block, in her keynote address, briefed the audience on the concept, functions, and objectives of the farm school.

She shared information about the duties and responsibilities of a farm teacher, and Takosungba Lkr was appointed as the farm school teacher. Additionally, 19 farmers were selected as farm students.

The inaugural programme was followed by a training session on fish farming practices for higher productivity. The aim was to impart technical knowledge and upgrade the skills of the trainees in adopting various methods of fish farming practices.

During the training programme, the resource person, Takosungba, explained to the trainees about site selection, species selection, design and construction of fish ponds, pond management, integrated farming, as well as composite fish culture.

He also encouraged the trainees to take up the task of meeting the requisite demand and supply in the state by educating fish farmers.

The programme was followed by interaction and feedback from the farmers. Inputs such as fish feed were distributed. Altogether, 20 participants, along with ATMA staff, attended the programme.

Also on Saturday, ATMA Mokokchung, Ongpangkong North Block, mobilised the Kupok Lu food security group (FSG), consisting of 10 female members from Ungma village.

The purpose of the mobilisation programme for the food security group was to encourage women farmers to engage in kitchen gardening, foster self-sufficiency and ensure food security for themselves and their families.

Watisenla Imchen, BTM, Ongpangkong North Block, highlighted the importance of forming the group on the occasion and emphasised knowledge and resource sharing among members with a common interest to achieve mutual benefits.

The Food Security Group (FSG) was also encouraged to develop self-help approaches and share ideas on production and marketing by fostering an environment for discussions, training, and information sharing.

The responsibilities of the group, such as bookkeeping, record maintenance, electing a group representative, and assigning tasks, were also discussed. She advised the members to open a bank account and maintain registers and records related to their activities.

Altogether, 10 women farmers, along with ATMA staff, attended the programme.