Phek DC and other dignitaries with the participants of Farmers Fair –cum- Exhibition 2025 on March 19 at Porba in Phek district.
Our Correspondent
Porba | March 19
The Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Phek under ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun, Medziphema conducted Farmers Fair-cum-Exhibition 2025 at Porba Local Ground in Phek district on March 19.
Several Self Groups (SHGs) from different parts of Phek district including the department of agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry and veterinary services joined the event. The event aimed to bring together farmers, scientists and agricultural experts to discuss and promote innovative farming techniques, natural farming and market linkages for enhanced agricultural productivity. The exhibition showcased various technological advancements, farming techniques by the line departments, and market-ready agricultural products aimed at uplifting the farming community in the district.
Addressing the inaugural function, Phek Deputy Commissioner, John Tsulise Sangtam commended KVK Phek of its conduct of Farmers’ Fair with the active participation of farmers, scientists and the concerned line departments. “This is the most successful Mela that we are holding in the district,” he said.
Stating that Nagas are basically farmers and hard working people, he stressed on the need to regain those good qualities. In this, he encouraged the people to uphold the qualities and spirit of honesty, hard-working, love and working together.
Stressing on the need to strengthen the convergence projects, DC said “If we work together, we will surely succeed.” He urged upon various line departments to work in convergence mode to ensure the holistic development of the farming community in the district. He was hopeful that the Farmers’ Fair will enrich the farmers to do much better and take them to a greater height.
Dr Pritpal Kaur, Superintendent of Police, Phek encouraged the farmers to adopt advanced agricultural technologies and work towards strengthening market linkages to increase demand and profitability. She called upon the people uphold dignity of labour and team work. Kaur also encouraged the farmers to take pride in agriculture and farming.
Dr Sanjeev Kumar Singh, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK, Phek, briefed overview of KVK Phek, highlighting its role in improving the livelihood of farmers in the region. Singh said that KVK, Phek was established in 2003 at Porba village under ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun, Medziphema and focuses on agricultural research, farmer training, and technology dissemination. Through research, training, and technological advancements, KVK Phek continues to transform the agricultural landscape of the district, ensuring improved livelihoods and sustainability for farmers, Singh said.
Dr AS Panwar, Former Director, ICAR-IIFSR, Modipuram, UP appreciated KVK’s efforts in empowering the farming community. He emphasised the need for implementing natural farming at the village level and underscored the crucial role of honey bees in enhancing crop yields.
Professor AC Varshney, Former Vice-Chancellor, DUVASU, Mathura, UP, shared his experience on integrated farming systems. He suggested that farmers plant trees along their field boundaries as a means to generate additional revenue while contributing to environmental sustainability.
Dr Girish Patil, Director, ICAR-NRC on Mithun, Nagaland, highlighted the achievements of KVK, particularly in promoting certification for natural farming in the Phek district. He emphasised that certification would enhance the market value of agricultural products, allowing farmers to reap higher economic benefits.
Later, the dignitaries released publications of KVK Phek, a documentary video on Zabo farming system and vegetable seed kits developed by KVK.
More than 200 farmers from different parts of the district attended the programme, benefiting from direct interactions with agricultural experts and policymakers. Seed kits were distributed to all participating farmers. Folk song was presented by Phek Flavours Group (SHG). The programme was led by Dr. Hannah K. Asangla, Chief Technical Officer, Agronomy, KVK, Phek while Dr. T. Esther Longkumer, Chief Technical Officer, Soil Science, KVK, Phek proposed vote of thanks.
