The Agri and Allied Organization of the Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP), Mokokchung Region, organized a one-day training and workshop on integrated farming at its office conference hall on Thursday. More than 50 members from all ten assembly constituencies of Mokokchung attended the event.
Lanuchuba Imchen, Inspector, District Agriculture Office, Mokokchung, and Recha Imchen, Assistant Horticulture Officer, Mokokchung, served as resource persons and conducted the training on the topics ‘Integrated Farming System’ and ‘Mushroom Cultivation,’ respectively.
Lanuchuba explained that an Integrated Farming System (IFS) is a sustainable agricultural model that integrates livestock, crop production, fish, poultry, tree crops, plantation crops, and other complementary systems for the efficient use of land, labour, and farm resources. This approach provides year-round income for farmers.
He highlighted the goals and principles of IFS, noting its dependence on various interlinked factors. IFS, he said, combines crops, livestock, and other components to boost productivity and diversify income. It reduces input costs, improves soil health, supports environmental sustainability, enhances climate resilience, strengthens food security, and helps increase farmers’ income sustainably.
Meanwhile, Recha Imchen trained the participants on the advantages, varieties, cultivation methods, and spawn preparation of both oyster and shiitake mushrooms. Regarding oyster mushrooms, he stated that contrary to popular belief, they can be cultivated on a variety of alternative substrates beyond paddy straw and explained the methods of substrate preparation. He also trained the participants on chemical sterilization techniques, supplementation, spawning, crop management, fruiting, and harvesting.
On shiitake mushrooms, Recha noted their high value worldwide due to their flavor and medicinal properties. He explained the procedures for cultivation and post-harvest management. Speaking on the viability of cultivating shiitake mushrooms in Nagaland, Recha pointed to the abundant availability of Quercus (Sülem) and Castanopsis (Süngsa) tree species and the state’s favorable climate.
Earlier, NDPP Mokokchung Region Agri & Allied Organization President Nüngsang Ao, in his keynote address, stated that the event was organized not only to foster unity among party members but also to open avenues for grassroots members to become self-reliant and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region.
NDPP Mokokchung Region President Mangyang Jamir remarked that the Agri & Allied Organization was earlier just a committee but had been promoted to a full-fledged frontal organization of the party in recognition of its importance. He noted that the organization has been functioning with renewed vigor since 2024 and encouraged constituency units to form their respective Agri & Allied branches.
Both party leaders encouraged participants to make the most of the event and contribute to the state’s development.
C Meren, Vice President; I Mayang Aier, General Secretary; and Sentikala, Secretary of the Agri & Allied Organization, also facilitated the event.
