ATMA boosts holistic development of farmers in Nagaland

Dimapur, August 23 (MExN): Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) in its continued effort to “facilitate and strengthen extension delivery system in the state through gap filling mode so as to ensure effective and all round location specific technology transfer to the farmers through participatory approach thereby making extension system farmer driven and farmer accountable,” organized various activities across the districts in Nagaland. 

The respective ATMA blocks conducted training and demonstration, filed days, set up integrated farm schools, Food Security Groups and distributed farming tools to sustain all round holistic development of farmers.

Mokokchung: Ongpangkong South block conducted training at Khensa village on July 16 with 25 farmers and farm school was inaugurated at Alichen on July 17. Farm Teacher, Nungsangwoba along with other progressive farmers as farm students attended the programme. In both the programmes, BTT Convenor, Imtitemsu, Ongpangkong South block was the resource person. Demonstration was conducted at Alichen on Bokashi preparation by Lipokrenla Pongen, ATM.

A farm school on cultivation of mandarin orange was inaugurated at Moalenden village under Ongpangkong North block on July 16. Tsuktirenla, ATM highlighted the concept of farm school and the role of farm teacher. Waluniba was appointed as farm teacher along with 20 farmers as farm students. Lessons on management of orange orchards were given by Sakotsungba, ATM.

Demonstration and mobilization of Food Security Group (FSG), Imchalenjen group under Chubayimkum village was conducted on the same day by Watisenla, BTM, Lanusanen, ATM, Masatula, ATM, Tsuktirenla, ATM and Sakotsungba, ATM. 

With report on high infestation of grasshopper at Mokokchung village, Ongpangkong North block along with District Agriculture Office, Mokokchung conducted training on July 19. IPM kits including bio-pesticides, pheromone traps, tricho cards, sticky traps, etc provided by the District Agriculture Office were distributed.

Changtongya block conducted training on organic farming practices in Arecanut Plantation at Kelingmen village on July 22. A farm school of Arecanut Plantation was inaugurated at Kelingmen village on July 22 at Temsuwati’s Arecanut farm where Semerlepden was selected as a farm school teacher to disseminate farmer to farmer technology transfer. Inputs like brush cutter and scrabbers were distributed to the farmers in both events. 

Mangkolemba block inaugurated Piggery farm school with Sashimongba as the farm teacher at Mangkolemba town and training with Akumyanger, VFA, Veterinary Department, Mokokchung as resource person on July 17. Demonstration was conducted at Athupumi village on scientific piggery management and care. 

Chuchuyimlang block organized training, demonstration and inauguration of Farm School on July 19 and 20 at Longkong and Yaongyimti Old villages respectively.

Tsurangkong block conducted training and demonstration from July 13 to July 17 at Shihaphumi, Moayimti and Satsukba village. The training was conducted on preparation of waste decomposer and demonstration was given on cultivation practices of maize. A Farm School on Fish Farm was inaugurated at Shihaphumi village on July 17. Atoho was appointed as the Farm School Teacher. 

Farm School on Integrated Farming System (Crop-livestock-poultry-fishery model) was inaugurated at Longkong village on July 19 at Suteplenden Farm and Imnatoshi, the owner of the farm was appointed as Farm School Teacher. ATM Lipoktila, Chuchuyimlang block, ATM, Akangjungshi, Ongpangkong South block, and Farm School teacher, Imnatoshi spoke during the inaugural. 

Two classes were conducted in the farm school on ‘demonstration on cultivation of azolla’ and ‘training on mass multiplication of waste decomposer on aqueous media and its uses.’

Demonstration on preparation of waste decomposer solution and the salient features and its uses in composting, drip irrigation, seed treatment and disease management etc was imparted by ATM Lipoktila at the Farm School. ATM, Chubaienla Jamir briefed on the advantages and uses of Azolla and method demonstration on cultivation of the same was followed. Demonstration on Azolla was carried out at Yaonyimti Old village on July 20.

Training on ‘integrated pest management in rice’ was conducted at Longkong village on July 19. With resource person, ATM Shilunokdang, Tuli block. Maize and Maize Sheller were distributed to the participants in both the villages.

ATMA Longchem block inaugurated Farm School on ‘improved jhum cultivation’ on July 20 at Lakhuni village. Sakotsungba, ATM firstly and Moanukshi Jamir, BTM spoke to the farmers. They were provided with farm equipments, bio fertilizers and seeds.

Peren: Ahthibung block organised farmers’ exposure tour to Fishery Farm School at Mhainamtsi, Peren on July 30. They visited and learnt from the success story of Dibamleule, Fishery Farm teacher, followed by training on Pisciculture by Haimia, Fishery Inspector, Jalukie.

Demonstrations on preparation of bordaeux mixture and pheromone trap was conducted at Ginger Farm School, Lilen the following day with resource persons Kevingulie Angami, ATM and Lireni Lotha, ATM. Laijon FSG with 10 members was formed on the same day. Pheromone traps, Lime and copper-Sulphate were distributed to the farmers.

Ahthibung block also visited LRD Office, Jalukie on July 31 where farmers were trained on Permaculture kitchen garden design under the programme - training cum capacity building and skill development. Resource persons were Suny Kikon, WDT and Ketitine, WDT, LRD office Jalukie.

On August 2, Coffee Farm School at Inbung Village with Chungkhojang as Farm School teacher was launched by Dr K L Meena, Principal Scientist & KVK head. BTT convener, along with Z James Kikon ACTO (Soil Science) KVK taught the farmers on the packages and practices of coffee plantation and its marketing. This was followed by field day. Demonstration on contour trenching and soil sampling was conducted. 

On August 3, two demonstrations on banana plantation and litchi propagation method were conducted at Pineapple Farm School at Pellhang village with resource persons Isapeule Hegui, Agri- Inspector and Kevingulie, ATM. 

Jalukie block conducted training and demonstration at Jalukie town, Jalukie B and Samzuiram village from July 27 to 30. Dragon Fruit Farm School was inaugurated and equipments were given to the farm teacher at Jalukie. B Dr Babita, KVK gave a demonstration on vaccination of poultry and piggery management. Hamia, FD, Sub-Divisional Fishery Officer, Peren/Jalukie, Aola Tzudir, BTM, Sajapong and Moikam trained the farmers. 

Peren block conducted training on poultry farming, capacity building and skill development on piggery farming and mobilization of Food Security Group on July 24 at Gaili Namdi with resource person ATM, Dr Kekiepeu Nza. ATM, Kibale explained the role, functions and purpose of the FSG. The block conducted field day cum inauguration of farm school, demonstration and within district farmers’ exposure tour on July 26, 27 and 28 at Lamhai, Old Jalukie and Punglwa village respectively. 

Peren block conducted field day cum inauguration of farm school of king chilly on July 26 at Lamhai village. The block conducted ‘within district farmers exposure tour’ with SHG farmers from Kejanglwa village to Bee farm at Old Jalukie on July 27. It was followed by an interaction session and topics related to bee farming were discussed.

The block conducted a demonstration programme on July 28 at Punglwa village. Demonstration on organic mulching and preparation of neem oil was imparted by ATM, Shanchonthung Shitiri. Demonstration on vermi-composting technology and preparation of natural fertilizer was conducted by Isapeule, Agricultural Inspector. 

Tening block organized a demonstration at Tening village on July 29 with resource persons comprising of ATMA functionaries of Tening Block. A re-visitation programme for ATMA Mithun Farm School and training on cultivation practices of maize was conducted at Tening village on July 29 by ATMA. Training of the farmers in the cultivation practices of maize was also conducted by Dr Imti Walling, BTM Tening Block.
 
Kiphire: Kiphire block conducted a within district exposure tour to Thetheyo village under Longmatra block on July 23. It was led by Kekosenuo Solo, BTM Kiphire block and Setsiba, BTT Convener. 

Pungro block conducted demonstration, training and capacity building at Pungro and New Vongti village on August 4 and 5. The resource persons were Yamuki, BTT Convenor and Asa Tep, ATM. Pineapple Farm school and FSG was formed at New Vongti village.

Khongsa block conducted training cum demonstration at Khongsa town, Khongsa village and Penkim village on August 4 and 5. The resource persons were Takutoshi Jamir and Merennungba Imchen. Capacity building on ‘climate smart agriculture’ and opening of farm school and FSG were conducted.

Longmatra block conducted a within district farmers exposure visit on July 24 to Sugarcane Farm school located at Langkok village. Farm School Teacher, Chothrongli demonstrated the tools and machineries for extraction of sugarcane juice, process of drying and making of jaggery. 

Demonstrations were conducted on nursery bed preparation for cole crops (Cabbage and Cauliflower) and System of Rice Intensification on July 20 and 22 at Sangtsoze village. F1 Hybrid seeds of cabbage, cauliflower, onion and trichoderma were distributed.

Capacity building cum field day on post harvest management of ginger and maize were conducted by Longmatra block at Sangtsoze village with Moakumzuk, BTM as resource person on August 4.

Farm School on Paddy was inaugurated at Sanphure village on July 26 with Shenromong as the Farm Teacher. Training and demonstration were conducted on ‘Biopesticides and application of trichoderma’ and ‘Pigeon pea cultivation’ at Sanphure village on July 27 and 29. Hybrid maize seeds HQPM 1, Arhar seeds UPAS 120, maize shellers and trichoderma were distributed. 

Phek: Chizami block organized field day cum demonstration on July 29 at Zelome village with BTT Convener Kelhouzakie Chielie, HO, HRF Pfutsero and ATMA Functionaries and Dr Hannah K Asangla, Assistant Technical Officer, KVK Porba as resource person. F1 hybrid seeds of cabbage, green pakchoi, sweet corn and hybrid maize HQPM-5 were distributed to the farmers. 

On August 3, ATMA Phek district officials and Kikruma block functionaries revisited Rüza (Zabo) Farm School under the farm school teacher Zanehu Tunyi at Kikruma village. Vermicomposting materials were provided to farm school teacher for initiating another activity in his farm.

Training cum demonstrations was conducted at Rihuba and Phusachodu villages on August 5 and 7 respectively. The resource persons were ATMA staffs of the block. The team conducted a field day at Coffee Farm School and mobilized a new FSG in Phusachodu village. 

Wazeho block conducted training and demonstration on agriculture and allied activities on July 5 at Yisi village with Vitsonuo Solo, ATM Wazeho and Nuzo, ATM Wazeho as resource persons. Maize Sheller was distributed to the farmers. Visapa Movi, ATM Meluri performed demonstration. On July 7, Wazeho block organized exposure visit for the farmers and visited maize plantation and home garden. They interacted with the owners at Kanjang village under Meluri block.

Meluri block carried out demonstrations at Kanjang village on July 23 and 24 with farmers from Kanjang and Akhen villages. With report of high damage rate cause by FAW in their corn fields, the ATMA functionaries intervened to help the farmers by providing bio-pesticides for use on trial basis in small scale. Spawning of Oyster mushroom using straws was demonstrated by Nuzo ATM. Mushroom spawn was provided to Küghü FSG. The farmers were trained to cultivate new seasonal crops such as celery and beetroot by Neilhui Lasuh, ATM. 

The team visited Tree Bean Farm School at Lephori village where the farmers interacted with the Farm School Teacher, Notopa. Maize Sheller provided by the department was distributed to the farmers. 

Kikruma block conducted a farmers’ exposure tour on July 15 to KVK Porba. Senior Scientist, Dr Esther Longkumer conducted training on some important improved agricultural activities. Agricultural implements and models of agricultural practices and building structures etc were exhibited. The farmers were guided and instructed on the practices of farming by KVK Farm Manager, Keniseto Chucha and Dr Esther.

Kohima: Jakhama Block along with DAO field staffs and officers conducted field demonstration at Mima village on July 21 under the SRI nursery bed preparation and drought mitigation through Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) method using Api-seeder with the objective to help the farmers in the wake of deficient rainfall in the state. 

On July 24 Farmer’s Field Day on harvest of millets was conducted by ATMA Jakhama team at Kezoma village. It was followed by active participation of farmers along with ATMA staffs in harvesting of millets. The team inaugurated Agri-Dairy Farm School at Viswema village on July 28 and appointed Notho Angamai as Farm School Teacher.

Jakhama Block conducted field demonstration on operation of cono-weeder at SRI Farm School Kigwema village on July 29. 

Demonstration on organic pest management was conducted by Chunlikha block at K Station village on July 12 and field day cum demonstration on organic pest management at Yikhanyu village on July 9 with Chenobuseb, ATM as resource person. Yellow sticky trap and bio pesticidesat were distributed. Chunlikha block inaugurated a farm school on sugarcane cultivation and processing unit at Yikhanyu village on July 9 with Sesinlo Kent as the farm teacher.

Demonstration on kholar cultivation at Kandinu village was conducted on July 10. Kholar seed was distributed to the farmer for cultivation. Demonstration on cultivation practices of soybean was conducted at Nsunyu village on July 8 and at Tesophenyu village on July 12. One FSG group was formed and soybean seed was distributed to the farmer.

Training on capacity building on dairy farm management and practices for farmers was conducted by ATMA Kohima at Nagaland State Dairy Farm Kohima on July 16 with Dr Ketholelie Mere, Farm manager, SCBF, Lerie as the resource person. A technical followed by interactive sessions from trainees were held. Trainees were given a tour to the dairy farm for practical demonstration by Pedenuo Shuya, Wonchibeni Ezung, Lejao Konyak and Khrietseimenuo Chadi. 

Botsa block conducted demonstration activities on cultivation practices of soyabean and French bean at Tsiemekhu (Basa) and Botsa village respectively on July 21. Resource person was Hainenle Tep, ATM. On French bean at Botsa village Medokhrielie, ATM was the resource person. Kekhrie FSG with fellow farmers was given Maize Sheller. 

District level training on package of practices on Eri was organized by ATMA Kohima at Tseminyu town hall on July 23. Eyareno Chuse, Assistant Sericulture Officer, Kohima was the resource person for the technical session. Loguseng Tsela, Eri Farm School Teacher of Tseminyu block shared his experiences. 

Sechü-Zubza block inaugurated ‘Mor’s Poultry Farm School’ at Sechü-Zubza on July 30 and appointed Metsilhouthie Mor as Farm School teacher. BTM Kajini Isabella Zinyu highlighted the concept of Farm School and the duties and responsibilities of a Farm School teacher.

The block launched a FSG at Kiruphema Bawe. Demonstrations on package of practices of tree tomato and cultivation practices of rice beans were imparted to the participants by Keviravono Visa, ATM and Ketsivino Nakhro, ATM.

Longleng: Longleng block inaugurated a paddy farm school at Hukphang village on July 7 where Hungtok was appointed as farm teacher. Demonstration on integrated pest management of paddy was conducted with C Amei Phom, Agriculture Inspector.

Tamlu block conducted demonstration on, SRI method of rice cultivation and integrated pest and disease management in rice on July 26 at Bura Namsang village with M Chingsang Phom, Agriculture Inspector, Tamlu block as resource person. 

Paddy Farm School was inaugurated at Bura Namsang village where Bauyom Phom was appointed as the farm school teacher. Field day on maize cultivation was conducted at Ametchong village on July 27. BTM Moasunep demonstrated on the use of Maize Sheller. Rodenticides and Maize Sheller were distributed.

Wokha: Chukitong block conducted field day on maize cultivation at N Longidang on July 14. Training on packages and practices of ginger cultivation was conducted at N Longidang village by Phyobeni Mozhui AO, Wokha on July 15. BTT convenor, Zuthunglo Erui demonstrated on use of Maize Sheller and its efficiency compared to traditional practices. Maize Sheller, hand sprayers, cowpea seeds were distributed to the farmers. 

The block conducted an exposure visit to PWD colony Wokha on production of vemricompost and compost on July 27 with Nzano Yanthan as the resource person. On July 23 the block conducted a capacity building and skill development for women SHGs in Longla village. 

Ralan block established Farm School on Banana at old Ralan village on July 29. Farm owner Merithung Patton was selected as the farm school teacher. Sweep nets and yellow sticky traps were distributed. 

An exposure trip for the farmers of Ralan block was organized on July 30. The farmers accompanied by ATMA officials visited Konger Agritech located at Aoyimkum village, Dimapur. The team was assisted by Dr Sosang Longkumer, founder and Director of Konger Agritech. The farmers were shown the seeds/spawn preparation, substrate preparation unit.

Sanis block conducted training on sericulture at upper Bagthy village on July 16 with Zademo Patton, Sericulture Field Assistant as resource person. Farm School on Sericulture with Bilano Yanthan as the Farm School Teacher was inaugurated. 

The block conducted training and demonstration at Yonchucho village on July 17 and 18. Field day on package and practice of cucurbits was taken by ATM, Thunglamo Humtsoe while Lothungbeni Murry, ATM spoke on ‘capacity building and skill development for women farmers’ and ATM, Mhonroni Odyuo gave a demonstration on application of bio-pesticides.

Wozhuro block in collaboration with NSRLM Wozhuro organised within district farmer’s training on production technologies and value addition in ginger at Meriyan and Tsungza village on July 16 and 17. 

BPM, Wozhuro block, NSRLM, Lumbeni J Yanthan spoke on capacity building and skill development key to sustainable livelihood. Production technologies of ginger were given by Y Shanchobeni Humtsoe, Convenor & HI DHO, Wokha. ATM, Zujanbemo Khuvung emphasize on value addition in ginger. Integrated farm school was inaugurated at Meriyan Village with K Arhomo Khuvung as Farm School Teacher. Concept of farm school and demonstration on use of yellow sticky trap was given by ATM, Loreni Kithan. Uses and application of Biofertilizer was demonstrated by ATM, Nzanthung Ngullie. 

Wokha block conducted training on quality seed production technique at Englan village on July 20 with Bendangla Imsong, ACTO KVK BTT Convenor Wokha block as resource person. Demonstration on balance used of fertilizer was conducted by Bendang Imsong ACTO. 

On July 23, the block established farm school on passion fruit at New Wokha village. Concept of farm school was explained by Elilo Kikon, ATM. 18 members of farm school were enrolled with Yanpvo Erui as the Farm School Teacher. Hands on demonstration on value addition on passion squash making was prepared by Thungjano KVK Wokha. Field day was conducted at maize field in New Wokha village.

The block conducted training on quality seed production technique at Elumyo village on July 13 at Wokha. Yanthungo Ngullie, BTM and Bendangla Imsong, BTT Convenor ATMA Wokha Block were the resource persons. Soya seeds were distributed to the farmers.

Tuensang: Sangsangnyu block inaugurated Coffee Farm School at New Khel, Tuensang on July 29. Auching was appointed as the Farm School Teacher. Sipong WDT, Land Resource Department was the resource person. A hand on demonstration was done on tracing rows and digging holes/pits for planting. ATM Ajungla Aier trained the farmers on the recycling of coffee farm waste.

Longkhim block inaugurated farm school at Chimonger village and Horili Sangtam was appointed as Farm School Teacher on July 29. Changlem AFI gave training on fish pond management. Hopise AI demonstrated on the various steps involved in vermicomposting.

Tsaru block inaugurated Fishery Farm School on August 3 at Alisopur village. Bongrangse, a fish farmer was selected as the farm school teacher. It was followed by field day cum training on cruciferous vegetables. Thritiba Sangtam, AO conducted demonstration on package of practices of onion cultivation. Tiyongnaro, ATM carried out a demonstration on pond management for fisheries. 

FSG ‘Amuwa FSG’ was formed from Alisopur village and a sum of Rs 10,000 was given to the group through Direct Benefit Transfer and farmers group was mobilized from Trongar village under the nomenclature ‘Trota SHG’. Liming materials, hybrid onion and cauliflower seeds were distributed to the participants. 

The block conducted training and demonstration for Trongar farmers on July 29. Tiyongnaro, ATM spoke on improved maize production technologies, Khatemenla, ATM gave a demonstration on preparation of raised bed nursery for rabi crops and package of practices of winter root vegetables was given by Dr T Arenmongla, BTM. It concluded by distribution of seeds to the farmers.

Noklak block inaugurated Apiary Farm School at Nokyan village on July 29. In the technical session, Ayen Mongba, a progressive farmer from Chendang village demonstrated on the management practices of bee keeping and extraction of quality honey. 
Field day on coffee was organized at Nokyan B village on July 30. A successful progressive coffee grower Lamthaiu shared on the proper post harvest handling of coffee cherries for better quality product.  FSG (women group) was mobilized which was followed by distribution of farm inputs. 

Zunheboto: Tokiye block organised demonstration and training on August 10 and 11. Dr Akavi Sema BTM, Ika Kinnimy, ATM and Kanato Sumi, ATM conducted the training. On August 12, training was conducted at Viyilho village on ‘training on cultivation of mushroom.’ Demonstration was conducted on year long vegetable production on low cost poly tunnel and raised bed method for chilli seedlings. On August 13, demonstration was conducted at Aghunato town on fruit fly trap using apple-cider and banana. Field day on yellow and white sticky traps for vegetable crops was held. Cardamom Farm School owned by Lahovi (Farm teacher) was inaugurated on July 30 at Aghunato town. 

Akuluto block conducted training and demonstration on rain water harvesting techniques and soil & water conservation through contour bunds and bench terracing at Izheto and Ajiqami village on July 9 and 10 by Tiarenla, ATM. Demonstration was conducted on Integrated Fall Army Worm Management and Legume Intercropping towards sustainable agriculture by Tsuktilemla Ao, BTM.

Cattle Farm School in North Point Zunheboto was inaugurated by Dr Vinoto H Ayemi, VAS on August 13. Materials to be used in the farm with vitamins for the cattle were handed to Hevishe Sema, Farm School Teacher. Vinoto Yeptho, ATM was the resource person. Training on effective use of waste decomposer in organic farming was conducted at Khuwaboto colony, Zunheboto with Chubatsur Jamir, BTM as resource person.

Ghathashi block conducted training and demonstration at Ghathashi, Pughoboto and Mishilimi on July 16. Dziesevotuo John Belho, ATM showed demonstration on mulching at Pughoboto. Training at Mishilimi village on soil and moisture conservation was conducted by Kerilhoulierulu, ATM.

Suruhuto block conducted training on ‘water conservation method for agricultural crops’ at integrated farm school in Phuye New on July 22. A demonstration on ‘cultivation of rabi crops” was conducted by Livika, BTM. Preparation of ridges along with the specific spacing for the cultivation of carrot was demonstrated.

The block conducted field demonstration at Integrated Farm School Tichipami on August 5. Demonstration on ‘mass trapping of male moth using pheromone trap’ was conducted by Moanenla, ATM. Use of plastic mulch in vegetable field for the conservation of water was demonstrated by Kaoto, ATM. On August 6 at Kiyetha, Livika, BTM demonstrated organic seed production of cabbage on nursery seedbed.

Dimapur: Chümoukedima block in collaboration with Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Dimapur organised training and demonstration on scientific management for fish production at Eralibill village on July 13 with Adiezenuo Dolie, Assistant Fishery Inspector as resource person. Demonstration on estimation of pond pH, establishment of planktons, liming and turbidity was carried out. Fingerlings were distributed to the participants.

Niuland block conducted capacity building and skill development programme on mushroom cultivation for FSGs and SHGs of Kuhoxu and K Hetoi villages at Kuhoxu village on July 15. Lireni Kikon, ACTO (Plant Protection), KVK (ICAR), Medziphema was the resource person. Hands on training were conducted together by the participants where step by step procedure was highlighted.

Aghunaqa block conducted field day on maize (varHQPM 5) and re-visitation of mixed farm school on July 17 at Ghoshito and Tokishe village respectively with Dr Lawerence Kithan, AICRP, SASRD, NU as a resource person. The team visited maize field where problems were shared by the farmers and various measures were provided by the team. It was followed by distribution of farming tools such as knapsack sprayer, khurpi, Spade, garden rake and NSKE.

Niuland block conducted field day on Sesamum at Hozukhe village on July 13 with Roben Singh, ACTO (Agronomy), KVK (ICAR), Medziphema as resource person.