Training on medicinal and aromatic plants

 A state level farmers training on “promotion and cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants” was conducted on May 9 by Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Dimapur at ATMA training hall, Dimapur.

A press release by ATMA Dimapur stated that in the first session, the resource person, team member, Nagaland Bio Resource Mission (NBRM), Manensangla Amer, highlighted the objectives and activities of NBRM which includes conservation of bio resources, identification, survey and documentation of indigenous, medicinal and aromatic plants. 

Stressing on importance and scope of Medicinal & Aromatic Plants (MAPs) for development in Nagaland, Amer identified Nagaland as rich in endemism with respect of many plants of medicinal importance and a home to numerous, rare and endangered species of wild life.

Amer said organized cultivation of MAPs can create an opportunity for generating employment that can provide alternative source of income.

The resource person then motivated the participants to strictly follow good agriculture practices and to focus on conservation of bio resources for the future generation. 

Powerpoint presentation on various medicinal and aromatic plants of Nagaland identified by NBRM were also shown and deliberated upon 

In the second session, the resource person, ATM, Chumukedima Block, ATMA Dimapur, Tzubentula Jamir,  spoke on the topic “Package of Practices and Management of Fall Army Worm (Spodoptera frugiperda), an emerging pest in India. 

She created awareness on the management of Fall Army Worm (FAW), following the report on high infestation in Nagaland.

The programme chaired by deputy project director, ATMA Dimapur, Tonikali Achumi was followed by interaction session. Nihokhu Sumi, a progressive farmer from Chumukedima Block shared his success story on medicinal and aromatic plants while vote of thanks was delivered by deputy project director, ATMA Dimapur, Dr. Ithika C. Swu.