KOHIMA — Aimed at empowering farmers with the necessary skills and knowledge to embrace organic farming practices, the Department of Agriculture conducted a comprehensive training programme under the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCDNER) Phase-4, in four villages under Kohima district.
The training programme provided by Green Caravan, the service provider for MOVCDNER, under the Department of Agriculture, was successfully organised in the villages of Chiechama, Tuophema, Tuophe Baze, and Botsa on October 5.
The training programme commenced with an invocation by Lhoubeilie Rupreo, head deacon of Chiechama Baptist Church, followed by an exhortation from Mhasikhotou Mere, Sub-Divisional Agricultural Officer (SDAO) of Chiephobozou.
Mere encouraged the farmer beneficiaries to uphold the core principles of organic farming and to strictly adhere to the guidelines of the MOVCDNER scheme.
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He emphasised the long-term benefits of sustainable agriculture and the importance of the farmers' commitment to organic practices.
Pukuolie Chadi, head GB of Chiechama Village Council, also addressed the gathering, expressing support for the initiative and underscoring the importance of community participation in the programme. He lauded the farmers for their active involvement and urged them to continue working together for the betterment of the local agricultural landscape.
The technical session focused on three key aspects of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) guidelines. The topics covered included organic certification, internal control system management at the farmers' level, and market linkage opportunities for organic produce.
These sessions were designed to equip the farmers with the technical know-how required to successfully implement organic farming methods and navigate the certification process.
The training programme is expected to have a significant impact on the farmers in the region, as the villages involved - Chiechama, Tuophema, Tuophe-Phezou and Botsa -form the Tuophezou Organic Producer Company Ltd., an important collective for organic production in the area.
The Department of Agriculture, in partnership with The Green Caravan, plans to continue supporting farmers in their organic farming journey, ensuring that they receive the necessary training and resources to succeed in the organic market.