Kohima Science College and Nagaland University conduct a farmers extension programme on Kharif pulses at Mezoma and Peducha villages in Kohima.
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DIMAPUR — A one-day extension programme-cum-input distribution and field visit was conducted at Mezoma and Peducha villages, Kohima, on January 12.
The programme was organised by the Department of Botany, Kohima Science College, Jotsoma (KSCJ), in collaboration with the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Kharif Pulses, School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Medziphema, Nagaland University.
According to an update, the programme was sponsored by the ICAR-Indian Council of Pulses Research (IIPR), Kanpur, under the Promotion of Pulses in Northeast Region (Nagaland).
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Dr. Dharmendra Prasad Patel, principal scientist and nodal officer (Northeast component), ICAR-IIPR, attended the event as the special guest. Dr. Lowrence Kithan (Agronomy), Dr. Akumla Longchar (Plant Breeding), Kavi Sumi (Plant Pathology), and Dr. Rokozeno (Entomology), scientists under AICRP on Kharif pulses, SAS, and Dr. Moaakum and research scholars from the Department of Botany, KSCJ, participated in the discussion and interaction with farmers.
In his welcome address, Dr. Wenyitso Kapfo, head of the Department of Botany, KSCJ, acknowledged the progressive mindset of the farmers in collaborative efforts to bring growth in the farming sector in Nagaland and expressed appreciation to scientists from AICRP on Kharif pulses, SAS, for being an active collaborator.
Dr. Rokozeno highlighted that Kharif pulses are an important source of protein for the human diet and are essential for improving soil health. She encouraged the farmers to give equal importance to Kharif pulses along with the existing cereals to achieve self-sufficiency in pulse production. She conveyed that the scientists' team of AICRP on Kharif pulses, SAS, are ready to help farmers with any concerns regarding Kharif crop farming, diseases, and pest management.
Dr. DP Patel highlighted the importance of pulse production in India and encouraged the farmers to grow more pulses for nutritional requirements, economic sustenance, and soil health. He noted the essentials of collaborative work among farmers, scientists, and educational institutions to increase pulse production in Nagaland.
During the interactive discussion session, farmers expressed their concerns regarding pests and yield issues in their fields. In response, the SAS expert team provided views on possible causes of such problems and provided options to address those concerns. Dr. Kithan discussed the benefits of pigeon pea production in Nagaland. Diezelhounuo Kiso, a research scholar at KSCJ, explained the management of chickpea pod borer.
The programme was attended by 25 farmers, and input distributions such as biopesticides, gumboots, daos, and hand gloves were distributed to the farmers.
Earlier during the day, Dr. DP Patel held a meeting with Dr. Temjenwabang, principal, KSCJ, and Kevilhuninuo Nagi, vice-principal, KSCJ, and discussed future collaboration prospects. In the afternoon, Dr. Patel visited experimental and farmers’ fields at Peducha village, where chickpea and lentil trials were undertaken.