Dr Rakesh Kumar Chaurasia, Principal Scientist and Head of KVK Zunheboto, along with others during the Natural Farming Training held at Sukhai village, Satakha Block, Zunheboto on February 24.
Morung Express News
Zunheboto | February 25
In a significant step towards promoting sustainable agriculture, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Zunheboto under Nagaland University conducted a two-day Natural Farming Programme at Sukhai village in Satakha block of Zunheboto district on February 24.
The programme, aligned with the National Mission on Natural Farming, trained 63 farmers on chemical-free agricultural practices aimed at improving soil health, enhancing crop productivity, and increasing farm incomes.
The training focused on hands-on preparation and application of key natural farming inputs, including Beejamrit (Beejatra) for seed treatment to control seed- and soil-borne diseases and improve germination; Jeevamrit, a microbial culture used to enrich soil fertility and enhance nutrient availability; and Neemastra, a bio-pesticide effective against sucking and chewing pests.
Dr Rakesh Kumar Chaurasia, Principal Scientist and Head of KVK Zunheboto, delivered the technical session on natural farming and its advantages. He also interacted with participants to address field-level challenges and discussed possible solutions.
Farmers were provided informative literature in the local dialect and supplied with essential materials such as large buckets and raw ingredients for on-site preparation of natural inputs. To encourage initial adoption, vegetable seeds, neem saplings and yellow sticky traps were distributed for trial use.
Community Resource Persons Kavitoli K Sumi and Kimyetoli H Sumi actively participated in the programme, demonstrating the preparation techniques of various natural formulations and expressing commitment to promoting these practices within the community.
Officials said the strong participation reflects growing interest in natural farming practices in Zunheboto district, which could contribute to building resilient agricultural livelihoods amid climate-related challenges.
KVK Zunheboto, under Nagaland University, serves as a frontline agricultural extension agency engaged in disseminating improved farming technologies to promote rural development, sustainable agriculture and farmer empowerment in the state.
