Ungma youth trained on protected cultivation of high-value vegetables

DIMAPUR — The Mokokchung unit of Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), in association with SAMETI, Medziphema, and MANAGE, Hyderabad, conducted a six-day skill training of rural youth (STRY) on ‘Protected cultivation of high-value vegetables’ at Ungma village community hall in Mokokchung district from August 19 to the 24th.

An update from ATMA stated that the training programme was aimed at imparting necessary skills to enhance the ability and opportunity in order to generate income and provide sustainable livelihood to the youth in rural areas.

The training began with an inaugural programme chaired by Watisenla Imchen, block technology manager of Ongpangkong north block, while the keynote address was delivered by Sentinaro Longchar, ATMA deputy project director of Mokokchung.

It stated that Longchar has stressed on the objective of the programme to empower the youth of rural areas with adequate skill set that would enable them get employment in relevant sectors and also improve productivity. She also gave a brief introduction about the programme and highlighted the participants about the skill based programme.

She further encouraged the trainees to actively participate in the training programme to improve their skills and knowledge.

The resource persons of the technical session were Tajungsola Jamir, ATM of Ongpangkong north block; Chubaienla Jamir, ATM of Chuchuyimlang block; and Temjenienla, ATM of Kobulung block.

The resource persons have spoke on ‘Introduction to protected cultivation of high-value vegetables,’ ‘Scope, significance and advantages on protected cultivation of high-value vegetables,’ ‘Cultivation of cole crops namely cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, bok choy, lettuce, tomato, chilli, capsicum, French bean, green pea and cucumber under protected structures,’ ‘Integrated nutrient management and utilisation of IPM techniques for insect pest management of high-value vegetable crops.

It stated that on-farm practical classes on nursery bed preparation and management, seed treatment, soil treatment such as soil solarisation, mulching, irrigation method and pro-tray nursery raising techniques were demonstrated by the resource persons.

Besides, group activity was also carried out wherein all the participants actively participated.

The programme concluded on August 24 with discussion and interaction so as to exchange experiences and views on different problems in agriculture with special reference on vegetable cultivation.

During the valedictory programme, Sentinaro Longchar gave away the certificates to all the participants.

Report further stated that inputs such as tools, winter vegetable seeds, cocopeat, pro-trays, watering cane, bio-pesticides and bio-control agents were distributed to the participants.

In a separate programme, the ATMA of Kobulong block carried out a demonstration on “Production of shallow rooted vegetables using banana pseudostem as the growing medium” at Molongkong in Mopungchuket village on August 26.

The demonstration was carried with an objective to disseminate knowledge that with proper preparation and management, banana pseudostem could be a viable alternative to traditional growing medium.

It stated that Temjeninla Longkumer, has stressed on the potential use of banana pseudostem, which is not only cost effective but also environmental friendly and also reduces agricultural waste and provide a sustainable growing medium that support healthy plant growth without the need of chemical fertilisers.

She stated that the pseudostem, which is the fibrous stalk of the plant, retains water effectively and contain essential nutrients that are beneficial for the plant.

Later, the farmers participated in the preparation of the pseudostem medium for the planting of the seeds.

Altogether, 10 farmers along with ATMA officials participated in the demonstration programme.