DIMAPUR — The Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) of Pungro block, Kiphire, inaugurated a farm school on integrated crop management (ICM) at Pungro village on Thursday to promote farmer-to-farmer extension for the effective transfer of agricultural technology among the farming community.
According to a press release, during the inaugural event, a short programme was conducted in which Moanaro I Ao, Block Technology Manager (BTM) of Pungro block, highlighted the concept, functions, and objectives of the farm school. She also discussed the duties and responsibilities of a farm teacher.
The release mentioned that Tulusuthong, a young progressive farmer, was appointed as the farm school teacher, along with 10 farmers as farm school students.
A discussion on the ICM system for sustainable agriculture followed the inaugural programme. During this session, BTM Moanaro imparted knowledge about ICM, explaining that it is an economically viable option for enhancing farm productivity and profitability while reducing environmental degradation.
She also mentioned that ICM is particularly appropriate for small farmers because it aims to minimise dependence on purchased inputs and make the fullest possible use of indigenous technical knowledge and land use practices.
On the same day, a food security group and a commodity interest group were formed and received benefits through direct benefit transfer.