Nagaland University organises farmer–scientist interaction programmes

DIMAPUR — The NEH Component of Onion and Garlic under the School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Medziphema Campus, Nagaland University, organised two farmer-scientist interaction programmes and Input distribution camps.

According to an update, the training programmes were conducted at New Socünoma village on September 17 and at Medziphema village on September 18.

The events brought together around 100 local farmers, scientists and agricultural experts in a collaborative learning platform focused on best practices in onion and vegetable cultivation and vermicomposting techniques.

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A key highlight of the events was the hands-on demonstration on vermicomposting conducted by Ghimere, project assistant at STINER, under the initiative of Akali Sema, nodal officer, STINER. Farmers learned practical techniques for setting up and managing vermicompost units—an eco-friendly method to enrich soil and support organic farming.

Dr. Moakala Changkiri, scientist and project in charge of the NEH Component of Onion and Garlic, encouraged the participating farmers to adopt onion cultivation and vermicomposting techniques as sustainable strategies to improve crop quality, increase yields, and enhance soil fertility.

She emphasised the long-term benefits of integrated farming and urged farmers to become agents of change in their communities.

To support the adoption of these practices, all farmers were provided with Falcon Garden Tool Kits, including essential tools like a khurpi, hand rake, long shovel, and root digger, to aid in their day-to-day horticultural activities.

Furthermore, selected progressive farmers, already adopted under the NEH Component of Onion and Garlic, received complete input packages for setting up vermicompost units.

These included portable vermibeds, vermiworms, combo battery-operated sprayers, neem oil, soldiers, and shovels—enabling them to start organic composting alongside onion cultivation.

Mhiesilhoulie Meyase, council member of New Socünoma village, on behalf of the farmers, expressed gratitude to the NEH Component of Onion and Garlic for organising such a training programme in their village and conveyed their willingness to participate and promised full cooperation in future programmes.