Nagaland University trains 21 farmers in Molvom on fruit tree care, orchard management and pest and disease control.
DIMAPUR — The ICAR-All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Fruits, Department of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, organised a day-long farmers’ interaction-cum-training programme at Molvom village in Chümoukedima district on Friday.
According to an update, the programme focused on the care and maintenance of fruit trees, along with demonstrations on pest and disease management. It witnessed the participation of 21 progressive fruit growers and North Eastern Hill (NEH) beneficiaries from the region.
Dr. Alemla Imchen, Junior Horticulturist, and Ravi Shankar, Research Assistant, initiated the training by highlighting the importance of systematic care and maintenance of bearing fruit trees.
The session covered various orchard management practices, including mulching, girdling, manuring, whitewashing, pollinator management, drip irrigation, intercropping, improved harvesting techniques and orchard sanitation.
Dr. Bendangsenla, Plant Pathologist, led the technical session on pest and disease management, focusing on major insect pests and diseases affecting litchi and mango crops.
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Participants were familiarised with pest and disease identification, symptom recognition and integrated management strategies.
A practical demonstration on the application of eco-friendly chemicals was also conducted to promote sustainable farming practices.
The programme concluded with an interactive session during which farmers shared challenges related to pest and disease management in their respective orchards.
To help participants implement the practices discussed during the training, minor farm tools and targeted pesticides were distributed to the farmers.