Demonstration for preparation of enriched composting at Phor village during the workshop on seeds and soil health held on May 17. (Photo Courtesy: NEN)
Phek, May 17 (MExN): North East Network (NEN) in collaboration with KVK-ICAR Porba organized a workshop on seeds and soil health with 71 farmers from Phor, New Phor and Wuzu village under Meluri Sub-division of Phek district on May 15.
The workshop was organised to capacitate and enrich farmers in effectively managing the health of their soil which are the base for their farming related activities, stated a press release issued by Stephen Gangmei, Programme Associate, NEN Resource Centre, Chizami Village.
Dr. Esther Longkumer, Senior Scientist and Head (In-charge) from KVK Porba was the resource person. Deliberating on soil health management in agriculture, Dr Esther Longkumer spoke on the importance of maintaining soil health. The degrading state of soil fertility was attributed as a result of unsustainable methods and practices of farming.
Having knowledge about the types of soil was emphasized so that farmers can accordingly see to the nutrient requirement in their own lands through various organic means. In this regard soil health cards are distributed to farmers after their soils are tested to find out mineral requirement of the soil and help farmers grow crops that are most suitable to the given type of soil. She added that identification of mineral deficiency in plants is also important. Three types of soils common in Phek district as stated by Dr. Esther are – Entisol, Ultisol and Enceptisol.
She dwelt on the sustainable agriculture through the use of organic fertilizers, bio-pesticides and locally available pest repellants such as neem leaves extraction and tobacco leaves. Participants were also explained about the usefulness of alder based agricultural practices as it fixes nitrogen and make the soil fertile. She later demonstrated on the process of preparing enriched composting and how to collect soil sample for testing. Some local youth participants were given tool kits for the soil sample collection.
The same workshop on seeds and soil health was earlier organised at NEN Resource Centre Chizami with 16 farmers from Chizami, Thetsumi and Enhulumi on May 9 with Dr Esther as the resource person who shared on the importance of maintaining soil health through various organic means.
Wekoweu Tsuhah, Programme Director NEN spoke on the values of indigenous food and farming system and encouraged participants to safeguard their natural resources against the exploitative influence from external agencies. Her discussion focused on what has changed in the local food and farming system over the last 30 years and its contributing factors. Introduction of cash crops, abandoning of indigenous practices of farming and seed conservation – in special reference to millet, dependency of market products, technological advancements were key issues identified. She noted that the unsustainable farming practices pose a threat to our biodiversity while acknowledging the crucial role of community leaders in protecting the indigenous community’s rights over their resource.
At the end of the workshop farmers were demonstrated on how to make an enriched compost pit with locally available resources.
