Dimapur, December 6 (MExN): Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Zunheboto and KVK Phek, ICAR-NRC on Mithun celebrated World Soil Day along with pre-Rabi campaign at KVK Training Hall, Lumami, Nagaland University and Kami village respectively on December 5.
Lumami: At Lumami, Sentimenla, SMS spoke on the importance of the day and also testing of soil. She advised the farmers to get their soil checked regularly. Meanwhile, Dr. Visakho Shunyu emphasized on the Rabi crops which can be taken up after harvest of paddy crops to gain more income.
Vice Chancellor of NU, Prof. N.S. Jamir, who graced the occasion, asked the farmers to get their soil checked so that based on nutrient availability, different crops can be grown and if any deficiency is there, it can be supplemented with different nutrients of plants. He also stressed upon the importance of KVK. He asked the farmers to adopt technologies provided by KVK, pointing out whenever assistance is required it can be taken up with the KVK who has scientists of different discipline. He also advised the KVK to visit the farmers’ field to find out their problems and solve it at their field itself. He requested the farmers as well as KVK scientists to work together for the socio-economic development of farmers of the district.
Hukato, Chairman, Lumami village spoke on behalf of the farmers and stressed upon the need to join hands together so that the productivity of the crops can be increased. Video shows on different discipline were screened to let the farmers know how technology is being implemented in other places. Edenly Chishi, SMS (Horticulture) spoke on winter vegetables and its importance.
The programme ended with distribution of 197 soil health cards, seeds and pesticides.
Phek: The programme at Kami village was attended by 108 persons. Dr. T Esther Longkumer, ACTO (Soil Science) spoke on the importance of soil health, emphasizing on soil health management and importance of soil health card. Soil health cards were distributed to 100 farmers from Kami and Lekromi villages.
Meanwhile, the chief guest, Captain Anand Thakur of 9th Assam Rifles, Pfutsero, addressed the farmers on the linkage between the KVK scientists and farmers regarding transfer of technology. Further, Dr. Hannah K Asangla, SMS (Agronomy) spoke on the pre-Rabi campaign programme. She elaborated about the Rabi crops and emphasized the importance of water conservation technology for production of Rabi crops in the region.
During the farmers-scientists interaction, various issues were discussed on agri and allied sectors. Farmers also displayed various exhibits during the programme.
Kohima: The Department of Agriculture also celebrated World Soil Day on December 5 at the directorate conference hall on the theme ‘Soil a solid ground for life’. Helie Rupreo, Director of Agriculture spoke on importance of soil and to have full awareness about the fundamental roles of soils for human life by civil societies and decision makers, a press release informed. He also emphasized the prominent contribution of soils to food security, climate change adaptation and mitigation, essential ecosystem services, poverty alleviation and sustainable development.
Thungjamo Lotha, Addl. Director of Agriculture in his keynote address highlighted that soils of Nagaland are highly acidic and in some places the pH level is as high as 4-4.5. High rainfall and leaching, he said, are the factors for such acidity. He also stated that the available phosphorus in the soil is low due to acidity of soil and it can be converted to available form by application of Phosphotika which is basically a phosphorous solubilising bacteria. Thungjamo further emphasized on the importance of zinc and boron which are soil nutrients and play essential role for the growth of plants, especially in rice and vegetables.
