DIMAPUR — Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kohima, under the aegis of Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, organised a six-day skill training of rural youth (STRY) programme on ‘High-value floriculture’ at Khonoma village, Kohima district, from November 20 to 25.
According to a press release, it was held in collaboration with the State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI), Nagaland, and the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad.
Delivering the keynote address during the inaugural programme, Dr. Ruokuovilie Mezhatsu, principal scientist and head of KVK Kohima, highlighted that the six-day programme aimed to provide skill-based training in floriculture to rural unemployed youths.
Given Khonoma’s strategic location and its popularity with tourists throughout the year, he stressed that floriculture could significantly enhance the village’s economy.
Dr. Shisarenla Aier, subject matter specialist (horticulture), chaired the programme, and Keviyieno Zhasa, technical officer, offered the vote of thanks.
The technical sessions featured resource persons including Dr. Shisarenla Aier, ACTO (plant breeding and genetics) Dr. Martina Shitiri, and Keviyieno Zhasa.
The sessions covered a range of topics, including the potential of high-value floriculture in Kohima district, cultivation practices for summer and winter season flowers, principles of fresh flower arrangement, advancements in dry flower production technology, types of bouquets and bouquet-making for various occasions, and marketing strategies for value-added floral products to boost income.
Hands-on practical sessions were also held, where participants were trained on how to make various styles of flower arrangements, bouquets, and dry flower products in preparation for the upcoming Christmas celebrations and exhibitions.
Altogether, 15 participants participated in the programme.
The participants also received certificates from the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Extension (SMAE) and National Mission on Agriculture Extension and Technology (NMAET), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare as part of the STRY programme.
