Kohima, April 27 (MExN): Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Chunlikha block, Kohima conducted two-day capacity building and demonstration on mushroom cultivation, seed treatment using trichoderma, agroforestry system in Jhum cultivation, and aglime application in soil on April 19 and 21 at Ziphenyu, Msunyu, Chunlikha and Nsunyu villages.
Block Technology Manager (BTM) Kekhriesielie trained the farmers on oyster mushroom cultivation – techniques involved in preparation of substrate using paddy straw, sterilization process by boiling water, spawning of mushroom seeds, its incubation period, harvesting process and temperature requirement for mushroom cultivation.
He advised the farmers to emphasize more on mushroom cultivation considering its low investment and high income and its climatic suitability, according to a press release. The BTM also spoke on medicinal importance of oyster mushroom, its high demand in market, and recycling procedure of spent substrates into manures which can be used in their fields.
Assistant Technology Manager (ATM) Kebengi demonstrated on treatment of seeds using trichoderma and highlighted its benefits of controlling diseases such as root rot, damping off and other soil borne diseases. Techniques on applying trichoderma in the fields were also shown. The ATM advised farmers to use bio-pesticides for all vegetables, tubers and rhizomes.
ATM Chenobu demonstrated on integrated organic farming in jhum field. The concept was to maintain soil fertility and control pests and diseases thereby giving a high yield, the release stated. Construction of compost pit and preparation of bio-pesticides from Neem leaves were also demonstrated to the farmers. Saplings of Parkia, Neem and orange were distributed to the farmers.
ATM Sinlo gave a demonstration on liming the soil. He also spoke on how acidic soil inhibits crops growth, functions of lime in detoxification of soil, and proper dosage of lime according to soil card for liming the soil.
A total of 36 farmers attended the programme, where a new Self Help Group (SHG) called Kenyurhün Logwa comprising of eight women was also formed.
