SAS Nagaland University and ATMA organised a training on sustainable sesame production at Dhansiripar.
DIMAPUR — A one-day training programme on “Integrated crop management for sustainable sesame production in Nagaland” was organised at Dhansiripar on August 24.
The training, attended by local farmers, was jointly conducted by the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Sesame, School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, in collaboration with the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Chümoukedima.
According to an update, during the training, Scientist (Entomology) for AICRP on Kharif Pulses at SAS, Nagaland University, Dr. Rokozeno spoke on major insect pests of sesame and their management, focusing on organic and eco-friendly pest management practices. The use of yellow sticky traps and pheromone traps was also demonstrated to the farmers.
Assistant Professor in the Department of Agronomy at SAS, Nagaland University, and Project In-charge of AICRP on Sesame, Dr. Debika Nongmaithem highlighted the importance of adopting suitable high-yielding sesame varieties for improving productivity in the state. She noted that farmers often rely on locally produced seed, which may have comparatively lower yield potential and longer crop duration.
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Dr. Nongmaithem also highlighted the importance of soil fertility management for achieving higher sesame yields and encouraged farmers to utilise organic inputs that can be prepared at the farm level. She informed that further training programmes on compost preparation and organic soil fertility management would be organised for farmers interested in sustainable and organic sesame production.
The training also covered agronomic practices for enhancing sesame productivity, including line sowing for maintaining optimum plant population, proper water management, and the role of sulphur in improving oil production.
Following the training, the participants visited a farmer’s field where sesame was being cultivated over an area of approximately three bighas. During the field visit, a farm school on a sequential farming system was inaugurated, with sesame included as an important component of the farming system.
The programme was assisted by Assistant Technology Manager Florence and Viketuozo Punyu. The programme concluded with the distribution of agricultural inputs to 24 participating farmers.