ATMA Peren team along with farmers during the demonstration at Saijang village on August 26. (Photo Courtesy: ATMA Peren)
Peren, August 30 (MExN): Ahthibung block under Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Peren conducted various activities including training, demonstration and field day on August 25 and 26 at New Chalkot and Saijang villages respectively.
A press release from ATMA Ahthibung block stated that Assistant Technology Manager (ATM) lireni Lotha, trained the farmers on pest and disease management in king chilly farming. She suggested the farmers to practice integrated approach of pest disease management to sustain the natural resources for the future, by combining physical, mechanical, cultural, biological and chemical (organic pesticides) method of control from the initial stages of crop production, starting from land preparation till harvest and storage of crop.
Deep ploughing several times, soil solarization of seed bed, drainage provision, crop spacing, hand picking of pest, light traps, use of trap crops etc., were some of the techniques suggested.
After the training programme, she conducted a step by step demonstration on preparation of Neem Leaf extract from fresh neem leaves available in the village. She also suggested the use of neem kernels for the preparation of pesticides at home.
Based on the infestation witnessed in the standing crops, neem oil and Trichoderma were provided to the farmers, the release stated.
The following day, a similar field day cum training and demonstration programme was organised at Saijang village wherein the farmers were trained on the benefits of implementing integrated approach towards pest and disease management in ginger cultivation.
This was followed by a demonstration on preparation of fungicide Bordeaux mixture by Block Technology Manager (BTM) Lhaihoichong Singson, the release informed.
She demonstrated step by step procedure of preparing the mixture using copper sulphate, lime and water. She also briefed the farmers on necessary precautions and procedures to follow during application of the fungicide.
Based on the pest and diseases observed Neem oil, Trichoderma, and inputs for Bordeaux mixture were distributed to the farmers, it said.
Altogether 30 farmers attended the programmes and seed money was given to Molhoi Self Help Group of New Chalkot and Chunnoum FSG of Saijang Village. In addition to that, some seasonal seeds, fungicides (organic) and pamphlets were also distributed to the trainees, the release stated.
