ATMA Dimapur conducts Kisan Goshthi cum training

Dimapur, February 13 (MExN): ATMA-Dimapur Kuhuboto Block conducted Kisan Goshthi cum Training on “Integrated Pest Management” held at Shitoi village, under Kuhuboto Block, Dimapur on January 31. Resource person for the programme was James Kikon, SMS (KVK) and BTT Convenor (ATMA), Medziphema Block.  

He firstly highlighted on IPM which is a broad-based approach that integrates practices for economic control of pests. IPM aims to suppress pest populations below the economic injury level (EIL). He also defines IPM as, “the careful consideration of all available pest control techniques and subsequent integration of appropriate measures that discourage the development of pest populations and keep pesticides and other interventions to levels that are economically justified and reduce or minimize risks to human health and the environment”.  

IPM emphasizes the growth of a healthy crop with the least possible disruption to agro-ecosystems and encourages natural pest control mechanisms. He advised them for minimum use of insecticide, pesticide etc. More emphasis was given on use of FYM, green manures and, crop rotation. He also elaborated the need of weather based crop management to increase crop yield. The benefit due to weather awareness and crop management done at right time against adverse weather was also discussed in the goshthi. He also illustrated on seed rate, spacing, moisture etc.  

The training was useful for farmers as they participated in the discussion and expressed their satisfaction in respect of the problems they are facing in dealing with various crops and diseases.