KVK Kiphire trains farmers on improved pea cultivation practices

DIMAPUR — Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Kiphire, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) for North Eastern Hill (NEH) Region, Nagaland Centre, in collaboration with the District Horticulture Office (DHO), Kiphire, conducted a five-day training on ‘Improved cultivation practices of pea under rice-pea cropping system’ from April 12 to the 16th at the training hall of DHO Kiphire.

According to a DIPR report, the training was funded by the Indian Institute of Pulse Research, Kanpur, under NEH component. P Lipichem Sangtam, District Programme Officer (Land Resources Development), Kiphire, attended the training as the special guest during the inaugural session.

Speaking at the event, he emphasised the importance of establishing strong collaboration with agri and allied departments to ensure the impactful implementation of programmes. He encouraged participants to fully utilise the training and implement their learning in the field.

Dr. Lahar Jyoti Bordoloi, senior scientist and head of KVK, emphasised the significant change in programme implementation that information technology has brought about during his keynote address. He noted that real-time information is now consistently updated in the Krishi Mapper, facilitating transparency and accountability.

He also encouraged participants to fully utilise the KVK and to submit requests for inputs and technical assistance at any time to ensure timely intervention.

Addressing the topic of improved pulse production technology, Dr. N. Khumdemo Ezung, Chief Technical Officer at KVK, discussed the package and practices of pulse production technology. He particularly emphasised organic nutrient management, cropping systems, weed and water management, as well as pest management.

Seroba Sangtam, head of extension activities, delivered a lecture on Naga mircha cultivation, with a special focus on nutrient and pest management. He suggested the inclusion of pulse crops as intercrops to supplement soil nutrients. Also, he discussed mulching technology, stressing the use of plant biomass and the adoption of in-situ mulching methods.

Temjenna Jamir, SMS (DAMU), KVK, discussed the nutritional benefits of pulse crops and highlighted their importance.

Nzanthung Yanthan, DFO Kiphire, deliberated on fish-based IFS and ornamental fish farming. He stated that incorporating vegetable crops, including pulses, would offer an additional advantage, leading to increased fish production in integrated fish farming. Furthermore, he underscored the abundance of various ornamental fish species in the district and encouraged farmers to pursue ornamental farming as a business endeavour.

Zekopeu, Agriculture Inspector Kiphire, addressed the topics of ‘Package and practices of summer vegetables’ and “Integrated pest management (IPM) in important vegetable crops’.

During the valedictory session of the training programme, Niulu, Assistant Labour Commissioner, Kiphire, attended as the special guest. In his address, he expressed gratitude towards KVK and DHO for organising the much-needed training programme for farmers.

Following the programme, various inputs such as vegetable seeds, tomato saplings, hermetic bags, and certificates were distributed to all 30 participants, who represented different farmers’ groups during the five-day training.