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DIMAPUR —A Skill Training of Rural Youth (STRY) on organic farming was held at Angjangyang village, Mon district, from August 19 to the 24th.
The event was organised by the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) in association with the State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI), Medziphema, and the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad, according to an update.
The programme was inaugurated by Biren Chetri, project director of ATMA Mon. Speaking at the event, Chetri highlighted that the STRY training aimed to provide skill-based instruction to rural youths in agriculture-based vocational areas to promote income generation and employment in rural communities.
He also informed the participants about the rising popularity and demand for organic products across the globe.
N Subenthung Odyuo, deputy project director of ATMA Mon, gave a brief introduction to commonly practiced organic farming methods, such as vermiculture and natural farming techniques.
In the theory sessions, resource person Longerkaba Ao, assistant technology manager (ATM), trained the farmers on integrated pest management, integrated disease management, integrated nutrient management, and the importance of organic farming.
Nemchaba Jamir, block technology manager (BTM), gave a detailed presentation on natural farming and the use of beejamrit, jivamrit, and mulching in farming.
The participants were also trained on vermicomposting, its potential for sustainability and income generation, and its importance for nutritional and food security. The different methods of organic farming practices were discussed at length.
A group discussion on indigenous technical knowledge in organic farming was also held, during which farmers were advised against using salt as a weedicide, as it damages crops and causes long-term harm to soil properties.
In the practical sessions, a participatory rural appraisal (PRA) was conducted. Hands-on demonstrations were also carried out on integrated pest management, integrated disease management, integrated nutrient management, and the preparation of low-cost vermi beds, beejamrit, jivamrit, and whapasa.
A total of 24 youths participated in the programme.
ATMA Zunheboto organised an inter-state farmers' exposure tour to Jorhat, Assam, from August 20 to the 23rd.
Altogether, eight male farmers from each of the eight blocks—Akuhaito, Akuluto, Ghathashi, Satakha, Satoi, Suruhuto, Tokiye, and Zunheboto block of Zunheboto district—along with three ATMA officials from Akuluto block—Tsuktilemla Ao, BTM; Kaboli Wotsa, ATM; and Mutoka Zhimo, ATM—participated in the tour.
The purpose of the tour was to enhance and upgrade the skills and knowledge of the farmers, as well as to expose, boost, and motivate them regarding current agricultural technologies.
The team, in coordination with Farm2Food, an NGO based in Jorhat, visited a progressive farmer practicing integrated farming systems and a government school in Khanikar Gaon. There, students cultivate locally grown vegetables in low-cost greenhouses, which are then used in their midday meals.
The team also visited a goat and poultry farm in Butolikhowa, where locally available fodder plants are cultivated and goats are raised in elevated pens to use their waste as manure.
On the final day of the tour, the team visited the Dooria tea estate in Golaghat, where they were guided through the tea manufacturing process. The tour concluded with an interaction with the farmers.
Also, ATMA Zunheboto, in association with SAMETI Medziphema and MANAGE Hyderabad, conducted a STRY on oyster mushroom production from August 16 to the 22nd at Shevishe village in Tokiye block, Zunheboto.
The training included hands-on preparation of paddy straw as well as packaging, storage, growth monitoring, and insect pest management. In addition to cultivation technology, the nutritional value of mushrooms and their relevance to healthy eating habits were also discussed.
A total of 15 trainees attended the training sessions.