Training on ‘Bio-Fertilizers: efficient use and application’

Dr. Watimongla Jamir, Incharge Director SAMETI & Principal IETC along with DPDs SAMETI and participants of the two days training held on September 5 and 6 at Medziphema. (Photo Courtesy: SAMETI)

Medziphema, September 6 (MExN): State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI) organised a two days training on ‘Bio-Fertilizers: efficient use and application’ on September 5 and 6 at SAMETI, Medziphema.

The training focussed on imparting technical knowledge to the field functionaries of all ATMA districts about the importance of use of bio-fertilizers which is an alternative for increasing soil fertility and crop production in sustainable farming and replacing the tremendous use of insecticides, fungicides and pesticides as these chemicals deplete essential minerals from the soil thus affecting it in a negative way. It has been identified that bio-fertilizers conditions the soil and fulfils the nitrogen requirements of soil, almost double compared to that of the synthetic fertilizers, a press release issued by the SAMETI stated. 

Detailed theoretical sessions on bio-fertilizers and its importance in agriculture; preparation and application of bio-fertilizers in organic farming system; and role of bio-fertilizers in Indian Scenario were covered by Dr. AP Singh, Assistant Professor, Department of Agronomy and Dr. Debika Nongmaithem, Assistant Professor, Department of Agronomy, NU SASRD respectively. 
The participants also visited the Bio-control Laboratory and Bio-Fertilizer Laboratory, Medziphema. Mass production of different types of bio-agents, preparation of Tricho cards and its application in the field were demonstrated by Dr. Beremjungla, Lecturer & Incharge Biocontrol Laboratory, Medziphema, while, different types of bio-fertilizers produced in the laboratory, steps involved in preparation of bio-fertilizers containing living cells and seed treatment method were explained by Mhonchumo, Agriculture Officer, Bio-fertilizers Laboratory, Medziphema.
The valedictory function was chaired by Tiajungla Longchar, DPD SAMETI, while feedback on the training was given by Rokokhoto Natso, ATM, Kohima and Lireni Lotha, ATM, Peren respectively. 
Dr. Watimongla, Incharge Director SAMETI & Principal IETC Medziphema in her valedictory speech stated that bio-fertilizers are cost-effective and applicable at farmers’ level having a paramount significance in sustaining agricultural productivity and healthy environment. She mentioned that bio-fertilizers play a very important role in improving soil fertility by fixing atmospheric Nitrogen and also promote plant growth substances in the soil thereby minimizing the sole use of chemical fertilizers. Therefore she opined that, farmers should have the knowledge about the benefits of synergistic effects of bio-fertilizers and hence, reminded the trainees to incorporate and deliver what they have learned to the target group.
Certificates and training handouts were also distributed to the participants by the Director.