ATMA Chümoukedima holds training on soybean cultivation

CHÜMOUKEDIMA, JUNE 25 (MExN): The Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Chümoukedima, on Wednesday conducted a one-day within-district farmers’ training programme on soybean cultivation practices, Kisan Ghosti, and Farmers-Scientist Interaction at the office of the District Agriculture Officer, Chümoukedima.

The programme was chaired by Visizolie Virie, Deputy Project Director, ATMA Chümoukedima, who delivered the welcome address. This was followed by a brief speech from Moainla Pongen, District Agriculture Officer and Project Director of ATMA, who urged farmers to adopt the latest technologies in soybean cultivation, adding that such knowledge would contribute to the overall agricultural development of the district.

A technical session was conducted by Dr Bendangla Imsong, Chief Technical Officer (Genetics & Plant Breeding), KVK Jarnapani. She highlighted the nutritional value of soybean, stating that it contains 40–45% protein and 18–20% oil. She also emphasised the importance of proper agronomic practices, recommending a seed rate of 60–70 kg/ha and maintaining a spacing of 5–7 cm between plants and 30 cm between rows to enhance productivity.

Given the acidic nature of soil in Nagaland, Dr Imsong advised farmers to apply lime in highly acidic conditions. She also stressed the importance of timely weeding—first at 15–20 days after sowing (DAS) and second at 30–45 DAS—as well as selecting appropriate seed varieties.

In the second session, best farmer awards were conferred on Pevisino, Videzol Natso, and Prakash Longmailai from Socünoma, Virazouma, and Dhansiripar villages respectively. Best SHG awards were presented to Eloe Okho SHG from Kukidolong village and Seyie SHG from Tenyiphe-I.

A Farmers-Scientist Interaction programme followed, moderated by Visizolie Virie. Participating officials included Dr Bendangla Imsong, Dr Akshay Ujjaal, Subject Matter Specialist (Agronomy), KVK (ICAR) Jarnapani; Chubatsur, BTM and sericulture expert from Medziphema Block, and Livi Thapo, Fishery Inspector from the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Chümoukedima.

During the interaction, farmers reported disease incidences in pumpkins and King Chilli, to which experts recommended seed treatment, application of systemic insecticides, and neem oil.

Fishery Inspector Livi Thapo informed participants about various government schemes and the availability of fingerlings at subsidised rates. She also advised on proper pond maintenance and pH balance management to ensure healthy aquatic life. The vote of thanks was delivered by Livika K Zhimo, BTM, Dhansiripar Block.

A total of 32 farmers from various villages across Chümoukedima district participated in the programme.