ATMA Kobulong Block conducts capacity building programs for farmers

Mokokchung, 9 November (MTNews) : The Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) of Kobulong Block in Mokokchung has been actively conducting capacity-building programs to equip Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs) and Commodity Interest Groups (CIGs) with valuable knowledge and skills in various agricultural practices.

Cultivation Technology of Oyster Mushroom
On 9 November 2023, a capacity-building program focusing on the “Cultivation Technology of Oyster Mushroom” took place in Sungratsu village. The program was led by Nuksunginla Jamir, Assistant Technology Manager of ATMA, Ongpangkong Block. She provided hands-on training to the participants, including methods of Oyster mushroom cultivation, substrate selection, sterilization techniques, substrate preparation, spawn inoculation, and cropping room maintenance.

The session highlighted the importance of utilizing paddy straw as a substrate for mushroom cultivation instead of leaving it as waste, emphasizing both the economic value and health benefits of Oyster mushrooms. Farmers were encouraged to explore mushroom cultivation as it offers year-round opportunities and can contribute to group economies. As part of the program, mushroom spawns, polybags, and ropes were distributed to the participants. In total, 15 female farmers, along with ATMA staff, attended the program.

Small Scale Vegetable Farming
Also on 9 November, ATMA, Kobulong Block organized a capacity-building program centered on “Small Scale Vegetable Farming.” The event, held in Kobulong town, aimed to inspire FIGs and CIGs to incorporate vegetable farming into their activities while disseminating improved cultivation technologies for vegetables.

C Amongla Jamir, the Block Technology Manager of Kubolong Block, discussed the purpose of forming groups and emphasized the importance of bookkeeping and accounting in group management. Participants were introduced to essential farming practices, starting with soil testing and soil health. The program covered topics like cover crops, crop selection, marketing, pest and disease management, and the profitable aspect of seedling nursery beds. Farmers actively participated in nursery bed preparation.

The program concluded with the distribution of Rabi crop seeds to the participating farmers, with a total of 24 farmers benefiting from the training.

Improved Cultivation Practices of Cauliflower
To enhance the knowledge and skills of FIGs and CIGs in cultivating cauliflower to increase marketable surplus, ATMA, Kobulong Block, conducted a capacity-building program on the “Improvement of Cultivation Practices of Cauliflower” in Sungratsu village on 9 November 2023.

Nuksunginla Jamir, ATM of Ongpangkong Block, served as the resource person. She provided in-depth insights into various aspects of cauliflower cultivation, including sowing, land preparation, planting methods, seed rate, spacing, irrigation, fertilizers application, harvesting techniques, and storage. A hands-on demonstration on nursery bed preparation and maintenance was carried out, along with discussions on transplanting timing, pest and disease management, and inter-cultural operations.

The program concluded with the distribution of cauliflower seeds to the participating farmers. A total of 15 farmers attended the event.