Nagaland: Farm school inauguration and trainings held at several locations

Dimapur, Sep. 11 (EMN): The Jakhama block of the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (Atma) inaugurated a System of Rice Intensification (SRI) farm school at Kigwema NFSM cluster area on September 10 as per the criteria and in consultation with the higher authority.

A short programme was conducted wherein BTM Vimenuo Mere, in her keynote address, briefed on the concept of a farm school and its objectives. She stated that the main objective of the farm school is to operationalise frontline demonstrations focus on integrated crop management, integrated nutrient management, integrated pest management etc. She added that the farm school would provide technical trainings to target farmers.

Mere stated that the knowledge and skills of the farm teachers would be upgraded through trainings and exposure visits at district, state and national levels. She also shared about the duties and responsibilities of a farm teacher.

The farmers were also sensitised about kissan call centre (KCC), where they can clarify their queries in farming practices through the toll free number 1800-180-1551.

The paddy field owner, Thinozelhou, was appointed as the farm teacher.

Sharing his experience, Thinozelhou expressed happiness to be a beneficiary under NFSM cluster. He stated that many new technologies were learnt with the intervention of the department of Agriculture.

He said that the use of cono weeder has reduced the work load. With the introduction of SRI, he is expecting a better result in the current year. He also thanked the department for the timely interventions and guidance, and assured to continue pursuing any new technology in farming practices as well as encouraged his fellow farmers, neighbours for sustainable agriculture.

The programme was followed by training on IPM and INM for paddy with Mhalevilie, DAO Kohima, as the resource person.

Field inspection of destruction caused by insects was also carried out during the programme. Some weed like Echinocloa sp was also identified and eliminated from the field.

The programme was attended by Mhalevilie Thorie, DAO; Vimenuo Mere, BTM; Atuno Zünyu, ATM; Neituzo Belho, ATM; and Ketholezo Kipu, ATM. Altogether, 11 farmers attended the training programme.

In another programme, Atma Jakhama block conducted a demonstration on nursery bed preparation on cole crops in Mima village.

During the programme, resource person highlighted the importance of the nursery bed. Altogether, 10 FIG members attended the programme.

In a related programme, Atma Chunlikha block in Kohima district inaugurated a farm school on System of Rice Intensification (SRI) at Ziphenyu village on September 4.

An update from the block stated that ATM Kebegi Kent gave a brief introduction on the concept, function and role of a farm school, while Solomon Mesung was appointed as the farm teacher. The farm teacher shared his experiences on SRI and how it has boosted the production continuously for three years. He also encouraged other farmers to follow this system.

A demonstration on operation of cono weeder was also conducted on the SRI field where the farmers were taught and demonstrated on how to use the machine. Cono weeder is a machine used for weeding in lowland paddy field and can be easily drawn by hand and cost-efficient.

A total of seven farmers attended the programme.

In another programme, Atma Tsaru block in Tuensang district conducted training and demonstration event for farmers at New Chungliyimti village on September 7.

A press release from by the block stated that the resource persons spoke on value addition of ginger, double row system in pineapple cultivation, control of fall armyworm in maize and winter vegetables planting guide during the training.

The programme was chaired by Dr. T Arenmongla, BTM Tsaru block. Altogether, six farmers along with ATMA functionaries attended the event.

Atma Panso block in Tuensang district also conducted trainings on cardamom cultivation and its management as well as construction of fish pond on September 3 and the 7th at Ekhao and Pathso Nokeng respectively. Altogether, 23 farmers attended the programme.

Atma Suruhuto block in Zunheboto district also organised training and demonstration programme on ‘Breeding of common carps’ at Medical Colony in Suruhuto town on September 7.

A press release from ATMA Suruhuto block stated that Niheto Sumi, fishery demonstrator, illustrated on rearing of spawn and breeding technique and also spoke on the importance of common carps as an ideal species for aquaculture.

Qhenito Yeptho, BTT convenor, demonstrated on cultivation of winter crop (cabbage) and explained about the importance of preparing seed bed or seed trays and various intercultural operations such as spacing, transplanting time, weeding, insect-pest control, proper irrigation and timely harvesting.

On September 8, Yeptho conducted a training programme on cultivation of carrot. He stated that sandy loam or loamy soils are suitable for growing long slender straight carrots. He also urged the farmers to maintain proper spacing in rows and cover the seed bed with a mix of sand and leaf mould.

Farm school on fishery was also inaugurated by Yeptho and K Hokugha Shikhu was appointed as the farm teacher.

Seeds of sweet pea, carrot, cabbage along with surgical face mask were distributed to the farmers after the training programme. A total of 38 farmers participated in the two-day training programme.