Farmers from West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya visited ICAR- NEH Nagaland Centre and KVK Dimapur during an exposure trip cum study tour on June 26.
DIMAPUR, JUNE 26 (MExN): Farmers from West Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya visited ICAR NEH Nagaland Centre and KVK Dimapur during an exposure trip cum study tour on June 26 for a comprehensive learning experience aimed at enhancing organic agricultural/horticultural practices.
According to a press release, Dr Phool Kumari, Senior Scientist cum Head of KVK Dimapur welcomed the farmers and officers from the Government of Meghalaya. The visit commenced with an informative interaction by Dr Bendangla Imsong, CTO Genetics and Plant Breeding, KVK Dimapur. Dr Azezie Seyie led an insightful practical exposure to the horticulture demonstration unit at ICAR -NEH Nagaland.
She elaborated on the cultivation of Naga Mircha, emphasizing sustainable practices such as the use of yellow sticky traps for pest management, reduced fertilizer application methods by using organic input, and the benefits of mulching. She also explained about the preparation of medium for portrays and highlighted the advantages of using portrays during transplanting of seedlings into the main field. Later, farmers were exposed to pepper cultivation techniques mainly for commercial purpose.
Following this exposure, the farmers were guided through KVK Dimapur farm by Imliakum Pongen. The tour showcased advanced agricultural methods including multi-storied cropping system and the unique way of terrace cultivation of ridge gourd and long yard beans.
Pongen also provided detailed explanations on the cultivation techniques, emphasizing their suitability for local conditions and market demands. Additionally, the farmers were introduced to a compost unit established on the farm, demonstrating sustainable waste management practices.
Around 20 farmers accompanied by two officials from the Government of Meghalaya, Dr Ebibeni Ngullie, CTO Animal Science, Dr Chingakham Sima Chanu, SMS Home Science, Marneni Divya Sree, SMS Agricultural Extension and Pynshaillang Programme Assistant from KVK Dimapur accompanied the farmers.
The farmers were interested to try the cultivation of Naga Mircha in their farms. Farmers expressed enthusiasm about implementing the newly acquired knowledge and techniques on their own farms, aiming to adopt environmental friendly practices, the press release said.
