Medziphema, April 13 (MExN): The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Jharnapani, Medziphema organised a one day awareness programme on ‘Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies for Agriculture and Allied Sectors under Climate Change in Nagaland’ at Singrijan village and Vihokhu village under Dimapur district and Samzuiram village under Peren District. Altogether 108 attended the program. Imtisenla Walling, Technical Officer, AMFU Jharnapani, ICAR Nagaland Centre welcomed the farmers and apprised the participants on Role of Agromet Advisory and its usefulness and how its usage could have an impact in their production in the changing climate scenario. She apprised the farmers the need for judicious use of water, construction of rain harvesting structures, initiating community-based afforestation project and advocated mixed-cropping and crop rotation. She also mentioned about the monthly advisories being provided on the first Friday of every month through The Morung Express and encouraged the farmers to avail the opportunity of ICT medium like WhatsApp. Farmers were also encouraged to utilize the service of Kisan Mobile Advisory Service where SMSs are sent biweekly (Tuesday and Friday) on weather for contingency planning and betterment of their livelihood. Dr. Ebibeni Ngullie, ACTO Animal Science, educated the farmers on the different effects of climate variations on livestock production and mitigation strategies. She also apprised the farmers about the symptoms of the common diseases in livestock and their remedial measures. Lireni Kikon, ACTO, Plant Protection, spoke on pest and disease management with the changing climate scenario. Dealing on the topic, she apprised the farmers about the symptomatic diagnosis of disease infection and integrated management. Dr. Patu K. Zeliang, ACTO Plant breeding, discussed in length on Organic farming for sustainable agriculture. She emphasized on use of organic waste, animal waste along with beneficial microbes in an eco-friendly environment without the use of synthetic inputs in order to keep the soil alive and in good health relying upon crop rotation, intercropping and biological systems for nutrient mobilization and plant protection Dr. Azeze, Scientist (Horticulture), addressed the gathering on the impact of climate change in horticulture crops that includes fruit crops, vegetables, flowers, spices, plantation, medicinal and aromatic plants. Dealing on the topic, the scientist appraised the farmers on the different adaptation measures to be undertaken like change in sowing/ planting dates, irrigation and drainage systems and crop residue incorporation. Farmers actively participated in the discussion, and the problems faced by the farmers on agriculture and livestock were noted, where they were advised management practices to be followed, an ICAR press release informed.
