Dimapur, July 21 (MExN): ATMA Dimapur (Niuland Block) organized demonstration programme at Nikhekhu village on July 16 where resource person Yanchibemo, WDT, Department of Land Resources spoke on the topic ‘rubber plantation methods.’
The interested farmers who were new to rubber farming were imparted knowledge on proper selection of site, nursery raising and proper selection of polythene, land preparation, planting and managing. He said that RRIM 600 variety is mostly suitable in Dimapur areas in terms of temperature, humidity and rainfall and pits should be dug and filled with organic matter and rock phosphate and planted in the middle providing mulch and shade. He further mentioned that the main pests in rubber plantation are Cockchafer grub, termites, mites which can be controlled by chlorpyriphos mixed in water.
Further, Moakumzuk, ATM, Niuland block spoke on the topic ‘Practices of Agro-forestry’ and specified that planting of trees is necessary in cash crop plantations like tea, coffee, etc and also in paddy fields and other horticultural crops. This practice provides canopy, protects from heavy winds, provides mulching and vegetation. He said that it has various benefits in terms of productivity like provides food, fodder, fuel, fibre, timber, medicinal products, etc. He mentioned that Agro-forestry incorporates technology from agriculture and forestry. Expertise in both areas is needed, neither can be ignored if an agro-forestry system is to function properly and provide the desired benefits.
The programme was chaired by Demalu Hasnusa, BTM, Niuland Block where 28 farmers were present.
