Dimapur, May 14 (MExN): On the second day of the 18th Agricultural Students’ Association of Nagaland (ASAN) general conference, the association initiated a plantation drive at NU: SASRD in collaboration with NSS: SASRD and Eco-Club SASRD. Around 200 tree saplings of Ashoka Tree, Pride of India and Bottle Brush were planted in and around the campus.
A press release received here stated that Prof. Aleminla Ao, Department of Entomology, NU: SASRD gracing the plantation drive said, “Burning of forest is affecting the environment and therefore, every plant should be cared and nurtured like a baby.”
Technical sessions were also conducted, where one of the speakers, Dr. I. Amenla, Director SAMETI & Principal IETC spoke on ‘Organic Nagaland: Current Trends and Challenges.’ She enlightened the gathering about the various prospects of organic farming, its importance, scope and status of organic farming in the state. The speaker also highlighted the constraints faced by the various departments of the agri. and allied sector in bringing about an organic revolution in the State.
Bendanglila, Joint Director, Department of Agriculture spoke on ‘Marketing opportunities and challenges of organic products in Nagaland.’ The speaker spoke on the prospects of marketing organically produced products and the various schemes and policies provided by the government in aiding the organic farmers to sell their products at the best possible prices and time.
The conference concluded with a valedictory programme, graced by Prof. T Lanusosang, Pro-Vice Chancellor NU: SASRD as the valedictory guest. He spoke on the importance of agriculture and stressed that people will depend on agriculture no matter how developed the society may become. He also exhorted the students to disseminate technical know-how to the targeted groups. He also lamented that young Nagas are losing work culture and rued that unemployment is on the rise. Therefore, he threw a challenge to the young educated agriculture professionals to be an asset and agent of change.
