ATMA Mokokchung organises various activities

DIMAPUR — With an objective to sensitise local farmers and promote sustainable poultry rearing practices, the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) of Kobulong block under Mokokchung district inaugurated a poultry farm school in Longpa village on August 28.

An update from ATMA Kobulong stated that Senkameren Longkumer was appointed as the farm school teacher, whose farm is located at Shingo Hudak.

It stated that C Amongla Jamir, block technology manager (BTM), has explained the concept of farm school and also briefed on some main activities in farm schools such as operationalisation of frontline demonstration on integrated crop management, IPM, INM etc.

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Meanwhile, Senkameren longkumer has thanked the ATMA Kobulong block for recognising his efforts towards farming. He shared about his experiences accumulated over the years and encouraged his fellow farmers to be patient and consistent in their activities.

Following the inaugural programme, training on poultry housing, disease control and management was conducted by Dr. Nemjemyanger, farm manager at State Cattle Breeding Farm, as the resource person.

It stated that poultry feeds and vaccines were distributed to 25 farmers who attended the programme.

In another programme, ATMA Kobulong block, conducted a capacity building programme on ‘Proper vaccine administration techniques in poultry birds’ in Longpa village on August 28.

During the programme, Dr. Nemjemyanger highlighted the different types of vaccines, which should be administered at specific ages to protect against common diseases. Besides, hands-on-training on proper vaccine administration was carried out for the farmers.

After the programme, Ranikhet disease vaccines were distributed to 11 farmers, who attended the programme.

On the same day, ATMA Kobulong conducted a capacity building programme on ‘Sustainable farming practices for improving soil health’ in Longpa village. The programme aimed at equipping farmers with practical knowledge and techniques to enhance soil fertility and ensure long term productivity through eco-friendly methods.

In a related programme, ATMA Changtongya block conducted a three-day programme from August 20 to the 22nd, focusing on strengthening farmers’ knowledge, skills and access to agricultural technologies.

The programme featured training on integrated pest management (IPM), which was facilitated by Shilunokdang, ATM, where farmers were introduced to eco-friendly pest control methods, while training on post-harvest management and improving shelf life for marketing was led by Recha, assistant horticulture officer of Mokokchung, emphasising on value addition, proper storage and improved marketability of farm produce.

Besides, demonstrations on management of various winter vegetable crops were conducted by Amenla Jamir and Toshirenla T Longkumer.

A major highlight was the inauguration of a farm school on stingless beekeeping. As part of the initiative, ATMA distributed inputs such as sticky traps, pheromone traps, neem oil, seeds, seedling trays, vermicompost, neem cake powder, spades and rubber gloves to participating farmers.

The programme was attended by farmers, members from self-help groups and rural youth.