KVK Phek trains farmers on sustainable agriculture
KVK Phek trains farmers on sustainable agriculture
The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Phek, (ICAR-NRC on Mithun, Medziphema) held a six-day capacity-building programme on sustainable agriculture practices
A session underway from the six-day capacity-building
programme on sustainable agriculture practices at KVK Phek.
DIMAPUR — The
Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK),
Phek, (ICAR-NRC on Mithun, Medziphema) held a six-day capacity-building
programme on sustainable agriculture practices, focusing on sustainable
agricultural practices for improved livelihoods, from February 3 to the 8th.
The programme was sponsored by ICAR-Vivekananda Parvatiya
Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan (VPKAS), Almora, stated a press release.
During the training programme, various topics related to
natural resource management, agriculture, horticulture, and value addition were
covered under different thematic areas.
The importance of kiwi cultivation, management, and
processing was highlighted on the first day of the programme. Senkalemba,
district horticulture officer, Phek, emphasised its significance, alongside
post-harvest handling and the opportunities in kiwi cultivation in Nagaland.
This was further reinforced by Manjunath KS's presentation
on the best practices for kiwi fruit cultivation. A hands-on demonstration on
kiwifruit pruning was organised at the KVK farm, with Manjunath and Keniseto
Chucha, farm manager, providing valuable insights and practical tips.
The second day of the programme featured presentations on
sustainable agriculture practices. Dzuthovito Lcho, assistant conservator of
forests, Department of Forest, Phek, emphasised the role of agroforestry in
enhancing biodiversity and biodiversity conservation, while Dr. Hannah K
Asangla, chief technical officer (Agronomy), highlighted the importance of crop
diversification for promoting sustainable agriculture.
On the third day, Viketuno, soil conservation assistant from
the Soil Conservation department, Zuketsa, discussed the importance of soil
health management, highlighting the significance of soil health cards and soil
biota management, while Dr. T Esther Longkumer, chief technical officer (Soil
Science), presented a lecture on organic amendments, providing insights into
their role in maintaining soil fertility.
On the fourth day, Kelhouzakie Chielie, Horticulture
officer, Pfutsero, delivered a talk on integrated pest management (IPM) and
sanitation and hygiene management in the field, while Dr. Sharanapa CH, SMS
(Plant Protection), presented a lecture on IPM strategies specifically for
paddy cultivation.
The fifth day of the programme focused on water conservation
and efficient irrigation systems, with presentations on water conservation and
rainwater harvesting by Khesi, agriculture officer, SDAO Pfutsero.
Dr. Venkatesh, SMS (Agri. Engg.), highlighted the importance
of micro-irrigation and solar irrigation, along with their management, and
drone technology for precision agriculture. A drone demonstration was conducted
by Nukusa D Vadeo, illustrating the benefits of drone technology in
agriculture.
The sixth day of the programme focused on smart agriculture
practices, with Alemba Jamir, Agriculture Officer, DAO Phek, showcasing farm
mechanisation and eco-friendly tools for hilly regions and demonstrating the
latest technologies.
A farmer-scientist interaction session was held during the
week-long programme, providing a platform for addressing agricultural
challenges and finding solutions. The event concluded with the distribution of
certificates to participants.
