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DIMAPUR — Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Wokha, (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) ICAR for North Eastern Hill (NEH) Region, Nagaland Centre, conducted a one-day farmer-scientist interaction at N Longidang aspirational village in Wokha on Thursday.
It had chief technical officer (CTO) (Agronomy) Dr. N Khumdemo Ezung, CTO (Agricultural Extension) Dr. BL Mhalo Tungoe, and SRF (ARYA) Dr. Zuchamo, KVK Wokha, as resource persons, according to a press release.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mhalo Tungoe provided a brief overview of various enterprises that farmers can pursue to generate income. She emphasised the importance of post-harvest value addition and processing, which not only helps reduce wastage but also increases farmers' income.
She mentioned that mushroom cultivation offers a good income-generating activity, especially since the village grows rice on a large scale.
Stressing the importance of the programme, Dr. N Khumdemo Ezung stated that its objective is to gather first-hand information about the agricultural scenario of the village. He encouraged participants to bring forward their field-level issues and potential crops, which could then be considered for future programmes.
Dr. Zuchamo discussed the prevalent disease issues faced by farmers in the district. He informed the gathering that most of these diseases are being transmitted by the farmers themselves and, therefore, advised them to exercise the utmost care when handling their livestock.
He informed the gathering that the artificial insemination programme has been prioritised by KVK Wokha to address the issue of inbreeding depression and to produce quality piglets.
Participating in the discussion, farmers expressed interest in large-scale maize cultivation, given that a feed mill is being installed in the village for livestock feed production. They, however, reported a widespread occurrence of FAW and requested scientific intervention for its control.
The farmers also showed interest in commercial-scale cultivation of soybean and sesame, noting that these crops are well-suited to the area and have an assured market.
About 35 farmers participated in the interaction programme. Inputs, including winter vegetable seeds and farm tool kits, were distributed to all the participating farmers.