Nagaland KVKs organise PM-KISAN telecast and farming events

Dimapur, February 26 (MExN): The ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Longleng, Zunheboto (Nagaland University) and Phek organised various events in the recent past including live telecast of release of 19th installment of funds under PM-KISAN, inauguration of Polyhouse and distruvtion of seeds. 

Longleng: The ICAR-KVK Longleng organised the live telecast of the release of 19th installment of funds under PM-KISAN by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Bhagalpur, Bihar.

A total of 343 farmers, including 283 women, witnessed the telecast event presided by Dr Hari Charan Kalita, Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR-KVK Longleng.

The PM-KISAN scheme is a landmark initiative of the Government of India that provides Rs 6,000 per year in three installments to small and marginal farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), KVK Longleng inofmred in a press release. 

This financial support enables farmers to purchase seeds, fertilisers, and other essential inputs without depending on credit, it said.  During the telecast, PM Modi stressed on how PM-KISAN has transformed the agricultural sector by providing over Rs 3.68 lakh crore to more than 11 crore farmers across the country since its launch in 2019, it added.

Thereafter, a polyhouse was inaugurated at ICAR-KVK Longleng by the YB Angam, President of the Phom People Council (PPC), and the Chief Guest of the telecast event. 

This climate-controlled structure will allow farmers to grow high-value crops, improve yields, and reduce losses caused by unpredictable weather conditions, the release said.

The event concluded with an interactive session, where farmers discussed their experiences and raised questions regarding various government schemes and modern farming techniques.

Zunheboto NU: The KVK Zunheboto NU also hosted the live telecast with  Principal Scientist and Head Dr Rakesh kumar Chaurasia, welcoming the farmers from 9 villages.

He also briefed the participants about the importance of the programme and requested farmers to adopt new technologies for better yield and income generation. 

A total of 5 farmers from different villages were presented with citations for their outstanding performances, the KVK Zunheboto informed in a statement. 

Special Guest and Deputy Registrar (GAD) NU, Kahoshe Sumi also urged the farmers to be proactive in their approach towards learning new techniques and adopt new technologies for income generation. 

After the telecast, participants were shown the technologies of natural farming by Naropongla (STO) while free veterinary medicines for treating various ailments of poultry and piggery were given during an animal health camp organised concurrently. 

Phek: The KVK Phek, Nagaland conducted an awareness-cum-seed distribution programme under the Nutri-Sensitive Agricultural Resources and Innovations (NARI) initiative in Porba on February 25. 

Farmers from Gidemi, Phusachodu, Chizami, Zapami, and Porba villages attended the event. 

Welcoming the participants, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK-Phek Dr Sanjeev Kumar Singh highlighted NARI’s activities and emphasised on the crucial role of women in conserving plant biodiversity in the North-East

During the technical sessions, Dr T Esther Longkumer (Chief Technical Officer – Soil Science) shared on Soil Management for Nutritional Gardens, while Manjunath KS, Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) Horticulture provided insights on  Vegetable Crop Packages and Best Practices.

Dr Harini, (SMS – Animal Science) discussed aspects of Value Addition, nutrition, and marketing strategies to enhance farmers’ income.

The event also featured sharing of experiences and success stories by farmers Lhizonyiu and Kuhukhrulu as well as a farmer-scientist interaction session with focus on challenges and best practices in agriculture.

As per a KVK Phek release, vegetable seed kits were distributed to the participants for the upcoming summer season.