Participants of the training programme for farmers organized by NU: SASRD at its Medziphema campus on April 6
DIMAPUR, APRIL 9 (MExN): A one-day farmers’ training on “Improved method of organic Ginger & Turmeric Cultivation” was conducted on April 6, at NU: SASRD, Medziphema Campus. The training was organized by the Department of Plant Pathology, Medziphema Campus and sponsored by the Department of Bio-Technology, Ministry of Science & Technology. A press note informed that the training programme was attended by 49 ginger, turmeric and other farmers from Wokha, Kohima, Peren and Dimapur districts.
The programme started with a prayer by Zevorhietoü from Razhiiphema, invoking God’s blessings upon the participants. The resource persons for the programme were Prof. L. Daiho, Head of the Department for Plant Pathology, NU: SASRD, Medziphema Campus, Prabin Das, Marketing specialist from Central Institute of Horticulture and Manzar Hossain, Horticulture specialist from CIH, Medziphema.
Prof. L. Daiho welcomed the members and in his opening remark briefed the farmers on the suitability and high potential of ginger and turmeric cultivation in Nagaland because of its suitable soil and climatic conditions. He however, emphasized on the importance of protecting the virgin forests and advised farmers not to destroy them in the process of ginger and turmeric cultivation. He also briefed the farmers on the importance and uses of ginger and revealed the health benefits of drinking ginger tea.
Prof. Daiho gave a talk on improved methods of organic ginger and turmeric cultivation and practically demonstrated on the management of rhizome rot complex by combination of hot-water and Trichoderma treatment of seed rhizomes of ginger and turmeric. He told the farmers that through this method, rhizome rot disease can be managed organically without use of chemicals. He also stressed on the importance of mulching the beds (plots) with green leaves of shrubs and trees, right after planting. This mulching prevents loss of soil moisture, prevents soil erosion due to rain and stops quickly sprouting of weeds in ginger turmeric fields. The above methods lead to uniform germination of seed rhizomes, better growth of plants and greater yield of rhizomes.
Manzar Hossain gave a talk on post-harvest management of ginger and turmeric. He emphasized on careful digging out of rhizomes without injuring them. After careful harvest, rhizomes are to be treated with chlorinated water for longer storage.
Prabin Das, the marketing specialist also emphasized on the importance of grading the rhizomes to attract the customers. He spoke on the importance of developing linkages with buyers from near and far and emphasized on the importance of awareness regarding the latest demands of ginger and turmeric and their market price.
Practical demonstration of hot-water and Trichoderma treatment of seed rhizomes was followed by distribution of Thermometers (for measuring water temperature) and Trichoderma packages to the farmers. The training was concluded with a vote of thanks pronounced by Dr. N. Tiameren Ao, Associate Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, NU: SASRD, Medziphema Campus.
