Medziphema, June 15 (MExN): 34 farmers from four districts of Manipur viz., Imphal West, Thoubal, Chandel and Ukhrul districts underwent training on “Advanced techniques in production of important fruits and flowers” at the Central Institute of Horticulture, Medziphema from June 13 to 15. The three day Farmers’ Training cum Exposure was organized by Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Imphal West, Thoubal, Chandel and Ukhrul districts of Manipur in collaboration with the CIH, Medziphema, Nagaland. The delegation of farmers was led by led by Project Director, ATMA Thoubal, Hifzur Rahaman. Addressing the programme, Dr. Lallan Ram, Director, CIH stated the importance of Horticulture and emphasized on the fact that farmers being the backbone of Indian economy need such kind of training to equip themselves to become skilled persons to increase the production of horticulture crops in the region which has a huge potential. Resource persons from CIH, Medziphema, Nagaland delivered lectures on various topics such as Basics of nursery management and standard propagation techniques for citrus, mango and cashew nuts, Importance of High density planting (HDP) & canopy management in Guava, Litchi, Mango & Pineapple. Basic of Greenhouse, Site selection & Green house construction, Soil selection, Media Preparation, Sterilization, Bed Preparation & Soil less cultivation, Irrigation System in Greenhouses (Design & Installation) & Fertigation in Greenhouses, Cultivation practices of Rose, Gerbera, Orchid & Carnation. As a part of the training, field visit was also conducted where the participants were apprised on the various activities carried out by the staffs of CIH. Exposure visit was also undertaken during which the farmers visited Molvom Village, Nagaland Bamboo Resource Centre and Nagaland Honeybee Mission. At the end of the training programme, certificates along with reading and planting materials were distributed to all the participants.
