Consultation workshop held in Lizuto village, Zunheboto
Zunheboto, August 21 (MExN): Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Zunheboto and Zunheboto District Spice Growers Federation (ZDSGF) conducted a consultation workshop titled ‘cardamom cultivation, an alternate to Jhum’ in Lizuto village on August 16.
Deputy Commissioner of Zunheboto, Shanavas C, who was the special guest, highlighted the importance of marketing linkages and group formation in the village. He exhorted the farmers not to depend on the government for help, but to utilize the available resources for village development. He further assured to extend his assistance, provided the farmers work hard, informed a press release received here.
The District Horticulture Officer (DHO), Zunheboto in his speech advised the villagers to procure the cardamom seedlings from certified sources, so that varietal confirmation can be done for marketing. He also gave tips on post harvesting method in order to maintain quality and have good marketing. The DHO further encouraged the farmers for group formation to link with international market. They were also asked to ascertain the number of plants, which is important for knowing the area of plantation as well as for other case studies.
Meanwhile, the District Project Officer (DPO) of Land Resources spoke on the importance of record maintenance of cultivation practice which in turn will help the department concerned for better documentation. He encouraged farmers to form FIGs for organized cardamom marketing and also gave tips on management of cardamom diseases.
ZDSGF general secretary, Holuto highlighted on the importance of organic cultivation, the purpose and functions of spice federation and why it is formed. He encouraged farmers on spice production for uplift of the entire village economy.
Kuhozhe Achumi, DFAC member from Tokiye block and Chairman, APMC Zunheboto district gave tips on maintenance of cardamom from his experience. He emphasized the importance of shade trees in cardamom plantation and also site selection for protection from wind. Importance of providing bunding structures in sloppy areas for protection from soil erosion, important tree species that can be grown for shade purpose were also highlighted.
Zhekheto Awomi, Additional Director, SWC in the vote of thanks advised the farmers on adoption of scientific cultivation practices, maintenance of proper spacing, and selection of appropriate shade trees.
K. Khekiho Shohe, Project Director, ATMA, Zunheboto in his keynote address highlighted the importance and the purpose of the visit and also the concept of the consultation workshop. He encouraged farmers and also highlighted the advantages they have over their natural resource availability.
According to the release, P Kahuto, GB, Lizuto on behalf of village requested the DC for expansion of village ground for the upcoming women conference 2021. He also requested the concerned agri & allied departments to provide fingerlings and cardamom dryers. The GB meanwhile requested Soil & Water Conservation department for providing water harvesting ponds in the cardamom plantations to maintain optimum moisture conservation during winter. Proposal to DC for road repair was also put up.
The programme was chaired by Livika Zhimomi, Block Technology Manager, Suruhuto block.
