Officials and women SHGs under ATMA-Phek during the interstate training-cum-field visit to Meghalaya.
Phek, January 22 (MExN): With an effort to keep up-pace with the developmental activities taking place in the fields of agriculture and allied sectors across the NE states, ATMA-Phek organised and sponsored an interstate training-cum-field visit to Meghalaya in collaboration with KVK, East Khasi Hills from January 16 to 19. ATMA-Phek DPDs, Keviu Shuya and Tiajungla Longchar led the team.
The purpose of this programme was to build capacity in skill, knowledge, perception and outlook of various Women Self Help Groups established under ATMA-Phek. The training covered topics on cultivation practices of cole crops, bio-control of insect pests and diseases and value addition in fruits and vegetables. The team visited the Bio-control lab where different species of Trichogramma and Trichoderma were being reared.
During the field trip, the team visited the State Marketing Board to educate the farmers about the purpose, organisational structure, working and benefits of such Co-operative societies. The teamalso visited Cauliflower Seed Production Unit undertaken by Laibeitlang Farmer’s Group in Sadew village, where the women farmers were for the first time, introduced to cauliflower seed production.
The field visit also covered a trip to organic vegetable farm under Laitkynsew village where cabbage, broccoli, tomato, lettuce, beans, beetroot, mustard and spinach were cultivated under organic conditions. Being a first time trip for majority of the farmers, a recreational package was also arranged covering visits to Ward’s lake, Shillong peak, police bazaar, Wah-Kba falls (Cheerapunji), Duwan Sing Syiem View point and Elephant Falls.
A press release received here stated that the farmers had a wonderful learning experience and were particularly motivated to undertake the cauliflower seed production and form farmers marketing societies in the future. Altogether, 12 officials and women SHGs from seven different groups participated in the programme.
