Nagaland: Krishi Vigyan Kendra centres undertake plantation drive

Dimapur, Sep. 19 (EMN): As part of Poshan Abhiyaan campaign, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) of Peren and Zunheboto undertook plantation drives in Jalukie town and Naghuto New Village respectively, on September 17.

In Jalukie, KVK Peren along with 25 Assam Rifles undertook a plantation drive at its office with Kiusumong Tikhir, ADC of Jalukie, as the special guest.

An update from KVK Peren stated that Kiusumong Tikhir spoke on the background for initiation of the national mission on nutrition and launching of Poshan Abhiyaan at Jhunjunu in Rajasthan in 2018, while Major Mangangcha from 25 Assam Rifles elaborated on Poshan Abhiyaan and also suggested the gathering to work in tandem with KVK and allied departments for their benefit.

The theme of the programme ‘Mahila aur Swasthya and Bacha aur Shiksha’ was highlighted by the chairperson, Dr. Patu K Zeliang.

It stated that 100 seed packets of winter crop vegetables sponsored by IFFCO were distributed to all the participants during the programme.

It was followed with tree plantation at office premises of KVK Peren.

During the technical session, awareness on nutrition garden was delivered by Dr. Patu K Zeliang, while awareness on bio-fortified crops was delivered by Dr. L Babita Devi and Z James Kikon (ACTO, S.Sc) spoke on nutricereals and their role on human health.

A total of 20 officials and 76 farmers attended the programme.

At Naghuto New Village in Zunheboto, Edenly Chishi, CTO (HOR) KVK, NU, Zunheboto, gave a brief introduction on nutrition, malnutrition and causes of malnutrition as well as awareness on the importance of nutri-garden and bio-fortified varieties which could supplement nutrients deficiency in human diet. She also demonstrated on preparation of nutri-garden.

Dr. Visakho Shunyu, CTO (GPB/AGR) KVK, NU, led the interaction session on nutri-cereal and their role on human health, during which different varieties of cereals grown in Zunheboto district were discussed. Dr. Shunyu also explained on the importance of consuming different types of cereals in order to obtain maximum nutrients required by human body.

The program was followed with distribution of vegetables and cereal seeds and plantation of fruit trees.

Altogether, 88 farmers, 3 Anganwadi workers and 15 students participated in the programme.

Meanwhile in a similar programme in Phek, talks on awareness and importance on nutri-garden and bio-fortified crop varieties were delivered by Dr. T Esther Longkumer, CTO Soil Science, and Dr. Hannah Krujia Asangla, ACTO Agronomy, respectively.

Resource person and supervisor from Social Welfare department, Nyitso Therie, spoke on the importance and value of nutrition on human health, while Kelhouzakie Chielie, SDHO of Pfutsero, spoke on nursery management of fruits and vegetables.

The special guest of the programme, Nezulu Nyekha, executive director of Chakhesang Women Welfare Society, encouraged the farmers to take up nutritional garden to maintain one’s own health stating that consumption of nutritious food is required for healthy and active lives.