ICAR-Nagaland Centre hosts workshop on natural farming

CHÜMOUKEDIMA, FEBRUARY 13 (MExN): The ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema, organized an interactive workshop on "Prospects and Challenges of Natural Farming in Nagaland" on February 10. Sponsored under the Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP), the event took place at the Conference Hall of ICAR-NRC on Mithun, Medziphema.

Dr H. Kalita, Head of ICAR Research Complex, Nagaland Centre, welcomed the participants and introduced the theme of the workshop. Dr Girish Patil S, Director of ICAR-NRC on Mithun, who was the chief guest, highlighted the significant potential of natural farming for North -East India, particularly for Nagaland.

Keynote speaker, Prof D. Thakuria, Dean of the College of Post Graduate Studies in Agricultural Sciences, CAU, Umiam, Meghalaya, discussed the principles, concepts, and numerous benefits of natural farming. He emphasized the importance of adapting the circular economy approach to local conditions and called upon government officials to actively contribute to the state’s natural farming initiatives.

Dr Badapmain Makdoh, Senior Scientist (Agronomy) at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, shared experimental findings on natural farming, outlining its benefits and the challenges faced in North-East India. He encouraged a gradual shift towards natural farming alongside conventional methods to ensure its effective implementation.

The event saw active participation from officials of the Departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, and Veterinary from the Government of Nagaland. A total of 133 participants attended the workshop, mostly farmers, along with some invited officials and staff from the ICAR Research Complex.

As part of the event, agricultural inputs, including sprayers, garden pipes, and spades, were distributed to all farmers present. The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr Mathew S. Baite, Scientist (Plant Pathology) at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Medziphema.