Farmers in Pughoboto received practical exposure to new crops, improved cultivation methods, and scientific farm practices during an on-farm demonstration by Nagaland University’s School of Agricultural Sciences.
DIMAPUR — An on-farm demonstration and farmers-scientist interaction programme introduced farmers in Pughoboto and surrounding areas to new crops, improved cultivation practices and field-based approaches to farm management at the Model Demonstration Farm, Pughoboto, in Zunheboto district on October 2.
Organised by the Farmers’ Cell of the School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, in collaboration with the All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRPs), the programme brought together around 40 farmers from Pughoboto and Mishilimi, along with village leaders from Mishilimi, Lazami, Natsumi and Pughoboto.
According to an update, the programme formed part of an ongoing collaboration between the Sub-Divisional Planning and Development Board (SDPDB), Pughoboto, and SAS, with the Model Demonstration Farm identified as a key area of joint activity following an interaction between the two institutions in March 2026.
The sessions focused on crops including linseed, soybean, pulses and sesame, as well as vegetable production, pest management and seed treatment.
Practical demonstrations enabled farmers to observe recommended practices directly in the field and relate the technical information to their own farming conditions.
Dr. Mary N Odyuo, Associate Professor and Farmers’ Cell in-charge, introduced the team of experts and briefed the farmers on the activities planned for the day.
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She encouraged the farmers to look at agriculture as a field that combines science, art and business and emphasised the value of continually updating their knowledge and adopting appropriate scientific practices suited to their farming conditions.
Dr. Virosanuo Solo, Scientist, AICRP Linseed, introduced linseed cultivation and shared results from front line demonstrations conducted in Niuland and Longleng districts and at the SAS farm. As linseed was a new crop in the area, the session generated interest among farmers. Its potential use in the floriculture sector was also highlighted.
Dr. Pezangulie Chakruno, Scientist, AICRP Soybean, discussed soybean production, crop management and improved varieties. Chakruno also highlighted ongoing research involving more than 400 soybean germplasm lines at SAS, Medziphema, and technology transfer initiatives in different districts.
Farmers were introduced to value-added products such as soy milk, tofu or soy paneer, soy chunks and soy powder.
Dr. Rokozeno, Scientist, AICRP Kharif Pulses, presented research findings from Zunheboto, Niuland and other locations in Nagaland.
She highlighted the role of pulses in improving soil fertility and providing dietary protein, while introducing pigeon pea or arhar as another crop with potential in the area.
A practical demonstration on sesame seed treatment using biofertiliser was conducted by Dr. Debika Nongmaithem, Assistant Professor, Department of Agronomy.
She demonstrated the use of jaggery solution in mixing biofertiliser with seeds, with farmers actively participating in the exercise.
Dr. Ashwini Ananda, Scientist, AICRP Vegetable Science, discussed the nutritional and livelihood importance of vegetables and conducted a practical demonstration on nursery bed preparation, including recommended spacing and other practices.
Dr. Sabbithi Pavan, Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology, spoke on Integrated Pest Management, timely identification of beneficial and harmful insects, and the importance of using suitable, disease-resistant and location-specific varieties.
Dr. Mary N Odyuo, Associate Professor and Farmers’ Cell in-charge, introduced the expert team and encouraged farmers to view agriculture as a combination of science, art and business. She stressed the need for continuous learning and adoption of scientific practices suited to local conditions.
The interaction was marked by active participation, with farmers raising questions on crop production, pest and disease management and field-related problems.
Experts also examined standing crops and discussed visible pest, disease and nutrient-related symptoms, guiding farmers on distinguishing nutrient deficiencies from pest and disease damage.
SDO (Civil) Pughoboto Yithachu Thur encouraged farmers to make use of the technical knowledge shared by the experts and spoke on the development of the Model Demonstration Farm through the SDPDB-SAS collaboration.
Dr. Lizabeni Kithan, Guest Faculty, Department of Agronomy, also participated in the interaction.
The programme strengthened the ongoing collaboration between SDPDB, Pughoboto and SAS, while providing farmers with practical exposure to new crops, scientific practices and field-based technology.
The programme was chaired by Akumlong Amer, EAC Pughoboto.