Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) conducted trainings and demonstrations on the latest farming techniques to empower farmers with the latest knowledge, technology and skills across the state.
The activities of ATMA was to help India achieve its goal of doubling farmers’ income and ensuring sustainable agricultural growth. ATMA Chukitong Block: ATMA Chukitong Block Wokha conducted training on capacity building and skill development for farm women at Yimkha village on April 12.
A press release by the block informed that resource person Agriculture officer, Zuthunglo Erui, shared the various advantages of group formation and the importance of member participation in success of any groups.
The block also conducted demonstration on management of fall army worm in maize, by ATM, Zachamo B Humtsoe, at Longla villlage on the same day. He shared various methods of Fall Army Worm management namely, picking of pest by hands followed by destruction, sand and ash or lime mixture application acting as physical barrier for the pest which was followed by demonstration on neem products application and another demonstration on how to set up a pheromone trap to manage the lepitopteran pests.
The block also conducted training on cultivation practices in maize, by ATM, Zachamo B Humtsoe, at Longla village, who shared various cultivation practices of maize, while another training on capacity building and skill development for farm women was conducted by resource person Agriculture officer, Zuthunglo Erui.
Seeds and Neem products for pest managements ware also distributed to the farmers.
ATMA Kobulong block: ATMA Kobulong block Mokokchung conducted demonstration programme on the topic “Organic Production of Ginger (Nadia)”, at Yimchalu village on April 14, with ATM, Temjeninlam, as the resource person.
At the programme, resource person delivered an introduction on varieties of ginger and highlighted on the high yielding varieties of ginger like Nadia which was best adopted in North Eastern states.
She also demonstrated and explained in detail the field preparation with minimum tillage and bed preparation with proper spacing. Altogether 12 farmers along with ATMA staff attended the demonstration programme.
ATMA Noklak: ATMA Noklak, Panso block conducted training on “value addition (Ginger candy)” with BTM Anungba as resource person on April 14, at Ekhao village.
Anungba informed that globally more than one third of food produced goes into dustbins and this post harvest losses contribute to food shortages and ongoing food insecurity, and dwelled that value addition in each aspect of agriculture produce creates more quality and adequate demand for products.
Hands on training on Ginger candy preparation was also conducted which was further followed with group discussion with subject matter specialist, while another demonstration and capacity building programme was conducted respectively. Altogether 20 farmers attended the programme.
Mon block: ATMA Mon block conducted a training programme on Piggery Management on April 11 at Mon village. Resource person BTM Mhachamo Ngullie explained about selection of breed and its management, feeding with locally available mixed feed which includes balanced and healthy nutrients.
Some important management practices such as castration of piglets, health care and management of sow, etc were discussed at length. Mineral supplements, disinfectants and dewormers were given away at the end of the programme.
Tizit block: ATMA Mon, Tizit block conducted a training programme on package of practices of Maize at Tekang village on April 9. At the training, resource person BTM Mhonchumo informed farmers that maize was one of the most adaptable crops able to thrive in a wide range of agro climatic conditions.
He explained some basic steps like avoiding low lying areas to prevent water logging, deep ploughing, proper weed management, spacing between rows and seeds, effective weed control measures. Hybrid seeds of maize were distributed to the farmers.
Tobu block: ATMA, Mon, Tobu block conducted capacity building in oyster mushroom on April 10, at Changlangshu village. Resource person BTM Jungshi, demonstrated on the preparation of oyster mushroom and spoke on the nutritious and commercially viability of the mushroom. Spawns were distributed to the farmers.
Phomching block: ATMA Mon Phomching block conducted Capacity Building on the topic “Package of Practices of cucurbits” on April 11, at Yuching village.
Resource person BTM Nunghothung Odyuo gave a brief introduction on cucurbits and the varieties of cucurbits that can be grown in Mon district.
Angjangyang block: ATMA Mon, Angjangyang block conducted Capacity Building Training on production of Oyster mushroom at Ukha Lampong Village on April 9.
At the training BTM Nemchaba Jamir spoke on the economic aspect and oyster mushroom production as one of the viable alternatives for improving the livelihood of rural household and women group which provide additional income and supplement protein intake in rural and tribal folks.
While resource person ATM Longrikaba Ao elaborated the management and technique for mushroom production in detail to the participants. Altogether, 21 farmers benefited from the programme. Mushrooms spawn and necessary materials were also distributed to the farmers.
Aboi block: ATMA Mon, Aboi Block conducted demonstration program on the topic “Cultivation of Okra”, on April 10, at Ngangching village.
Resource person BTM Mhachamo highlighted to the famers on the beneficial practice of intercropping maize and okra for higher yield and economic benefits and to improve resource utilization of light, water and nutrients.