The School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Nagaland University, and the Sub-Divisional Planning and Development Board (SDPDB), Pughoboto, organised an on-farm demonstration and farmers-scientists interaction at Pughoboto subdivision, Zunheboto, on 2 October.
Organised through the Farmers’ Cell in collaboration with the All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRPs) of SAS, the programme aimed to strengthen direct interaction between farmers and agricultural scientists and provide field-based solutions to farming challenges.
SDO (Civil) Pughoboto Yithachu Thur outlined the vision of the SDPDB Model Demonstration Farm, which seeks to promote a shift from subsistence farming to commercial-scale production through modern and scientific practices. He said the SDPDB had partnered with SAS to provide technical knowledge and introduce projects suited to local conditions. He also highlighted the long-term proposal to establish an agriculture sub-station at Pughoboto for research and experimentation in hill farming.
Dr Mary N. Odyuo, Associate Professor and Farmers’ Cell In-charge, introduced the participating scientists and encouraged farmers to share their concerns. Discussions covered crop failures, production constraints, soil and water issues, pests and diseases, climatic conditions, availability of inputs, labour and marketing.
Scientists delivered technical presentations on linseed, soybean, kharif pulses, sesame and vegetable science, followed by an interaction with farmers.
Hands-on demonstrations at the Model Demonstration Farm covered nursery bed and ground preparation, seed treatment, disease identification and management. Agricultural inputs including gardening tools, gloves, hats, winnowing plates, sprayers, spades and linseed were also distributed.
The programme concluded with a feedback session on strengthening farmer-scientist linkages and promoting locally relevant and sustainable agricultural practices. It was chaired by Akumlong Amer, EAC and Member Secretary, SDPDB Pughoboto, and attended by farmers, village council members, SHGs and SDPDB officials.
