Scientists, resource persons and participants of the training programme.
Dimapur, September 13 (MExN): In a significant move towards advancing sustainable agriculture, local farmers from New Socünoma village engaged in a comprehensive training program aimed at enhancing their knowledge and skills in managing insect pests and diseases. The session, organized by the NEH Component of Onion & Garlic and Vegetable Crops, Nagaland Centre, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, focused on holistic management techniques for crops including onion, garlic, and other vegetables.
Dr. Waluniba, Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology, SAS, NU, led the first technical session on “Holistic Management of Insect Pests in Onion, Garlic, and Focus Vegetable Crops.” He highlighted integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, emphasizing methods that align with the village's commitment to organic cultivation. The session provided practical insights into pest management without relying on chemical interventions.
The second session, “Holistic Management of Diseases in Onion, Garlic, and Focus Vegetable Crops,” was conducted by Dr. Nayan Kishor Adhikary, Assistant Pathologist, AICRP (VC), SAS, NU. Dr Adhikary outlined modern management strategies for key diseases affecting vegetable crops, integrating cultural, biological, physical, and minimal chemical approaches to reduce economic and environmental impacts.
The training also underscored Nagaland's reputation for organic farming and IPM practices. Farmers were introduced to cultural and biological techniques such as soil and seed treatments with bio-formulated fungicides, the use of botanical extracts, pheromone traps, and mulching, all aimed at reducing the use of fungicides and managing pest populations effectively.
The program commenced with a prayer by a local farmer, followed by an introduction from Project Incharge, Dr. Moakala Changkiri, who encouraged participants to engage more actively in kitchen gardening and elevate their living standards. The training concluded with the distribution of rabi onion seeds from ICAR-DOGR, Pune, Falcon Garden tool kits, and other agricultural inputs like Nalpak, Nisarga, and Safe Root (Trichoderma harzianum).
A senior village member expressed profound gratitude to the NEH Component of Onion & Garlic and Vegetable Crops for organizing the training, affirming their commitment to future programs. The session ended with a vote of thanks from Dr. Changkiri.
