Nagaland: SAMETI organises training for ATMA functionaries

Dimapur, Sep. 6 (EMN): State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI), Medziphema, organised a two-days training programme on “Bio-fertilisers: efficient use and application” on September 5 and 6.

The programme was organised to impart technical knowledge to the field functionaries of all ATMA districts about the importance of use of bio-fertilisers which is an alternative for increasing soil fertility and crop production. An update from SAMETI stated that bio-fertiliser could replace tremendous use of insecticides, fungicides and pesticides as those chemicals deplete essential minerals from the soil thus affecting it in a negative way.

It stated that detailed theoretical sessions on bio-fertilisers and its importance in agriculture; preparation and application of bio-fertilisers in organic farming system; and role of bio-fertilisers in Indian scenario were covered by the assistant professor Dr. AP Singh, Department of Agronomy, and assistant professor Dr. Debika Nongmaithem, Department of Agronomy, NU SASRD, respectively.

The participants also visited the bio-control laboratory and bio-fertiliser laboratory, Medziphema. It added that mass production of different types of bio-agents, preparation of Tricho cards and its application in the field were demonstrated by Dr. Beremjungla, lecturer and in-charge of Bio-control Laboratory, Medziphema, while different types of bio-fertilisers produced in the laboratory, steps involved in preparation of bio-fertilisers containing living cells and seed treatment method were explained by Mhonchumo, Agriculture Officer of Bio-fertiliser Laboratory, Medziphema.

The valedictory function was chaired by Tiajungla Longchar, DPD SAMETI, while feedback on the training was given by Rokokhoto Natso, ATM, Kohima, and Lireni Lotha, ATM Peren, respectively.

Dr. Watimongla, In-charge Director of SAMETI and Principal of IETC, Medziphema, in her valedictory speech, stated that bio-fertilisers are cost-effective and applicable at farmers’ level having a paramount significance in sustaining agricultural productivity and healthy environment. She also mentioned that bio-fertilisers play an important role in improving soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen and also promote plant growth substances in the soil thereby minimising the sole use of chemical fertilisers.

She opined that farmers should have the knowledge about the benefits of synergistic effects of bio-fertilisers and reminded the trainees to incorporate and deliver what they have learned to the target groups.

Certificates and training handouts were distributed to the participants by the director. In programme concluded with a vote of thanks pronounced by Janet Chishi, DPD SAMETI.