Mokokchung, 16 October (MTNews): Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Mokokchung, in collaboration with the State Agriculture Management and Training Institute (SAMETI), Medziphema, and MANAGE, Hyderabad, conducted a six-day STRY (Skill Training for Rural Youth) program at Mokokchung College of Teacher Education (MCTE), Yimyu ward, Mokokchung, from 9 to 14 October 2023, on the topic of “Mushroom Cultivation.”
The training program aimed to impart skill-based training to rural youth on mushroom cultivation, as it has become popular for its food, economic, and environmental value. It is an up-and-coming source of alternative income for many agripreneurs.
The six-day training started with an inaugural program chaired by Bendangkumzuk, BTM, Ongpangkong South Block, ATMA, Mokokchung, where Sentinaro Longchar, Deputy Project Director, ATMA, Mokokchung, delivered a speech on the training highlights for STRY, its implications, objectives, and future projections, offering modular training skills to rural youth to create employment opportunities and financial stability.
The resource persons for the training were Rongsenrenla Longkumer, ATM, Ongpangkong South Block, ATMA Mokokchung; Chubaienla Jamir, ATM, Chuchuyimlang Block, ATMA, Mokokchung; Abenla B Jamir, ATM, Chuchuyimlang Block, ATMA Mokokchung; Bendangkumzuk, BTM, Ongpangkong South Block, ATMA Mokokchung; Akangjungshi B Jamir, ATM, Ongpangkong South Block, ATMA Mokokchung; and Shilunokdang Jamir, ATM, Mangkolemba Block, ATMA Mokokchung.
The topics covered by the resource persons in the theory session included: Scope and Importance of Mushroom Technology, Nutritional and Medicinal Benefits, Low-Cost Cultivation of Mushrooms for Doubling Farmers’ Income, Climate Requirements for Cultivating Paddy Straw Oyster Mushrooms, a Guide to Small-Scale Mushroom Farming, Post-Harvest Management, Economics of Oyster Mushrooms, and the Importance of Value Addition.
In the practical session, participants engaged in hands-on demonstrations, including cutting of paddy straw, sterilization processes, preparation of mushroom bags, techniques of preservation and sterilization, and the preparation of Oyster Mushroom Pickle.
The training concluded successfully with a valedictory program chaired by Akangjungshi B Jamir, ATM, Ongpangkong South Block, ATMA Mokokchung. Feedback from the participants was delivered by Maongsunep Kichu, while the valedictory speech and distribution of certificates were conducted by Sentinaro Dy.PD, ATMA, Mokokchung.
To conclude the program, a vote of thanks was given by Mathiba Kichu, Assistant Professor, Pedagogy of Mathematics, MCTE. A total of 20 participants (10 male and 10 female) registered and attended the program.