Mokokchung, 23 August (MTNews): The Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Mokokchung, Ongpangkong South Block, organized a training and demonstration program on 21 and 22 August in Kinunger, Mekuli, and Khensa Villages, respectively.
On 21 August, the resource person, Bendangkumzuk Kichu, BTM, Ongpangkong South, highlighted the efficient use of bio-fertilizers, their types, applications, and the current challenges for sustainable agricultural production. The farmers were made aware of the benefits of bio-fertilizers, including improved soil health, protection of plants from pathogens, higher productivity, and a better cost-benefit ratio. He provided a detailed explanation of the components of bio-fertilizers and their specific applications in different crops, such as Rhizobium for leguminous crops, Asozpirillum for rice, cereal, and oilseed crops, Azotobacter for vegetable crops, and Phosphotika for all crops. He also shared important methods of applying bio-fertilizers, such as seedling root dip, seed treatment, and soil treatment. He emphasized that bio-fertilizers should be used due to their dual benefit of enhancing soil fertility and improving crop yield.
On 22 August, in Mekuli Village, a demonstration on the cultivation practices of Broccoli was conducted by resource person Rongsenrenla Longkumer, ATM, Ongpangkong South Block. She guided the farmers on the significance and preparation of raised nursery beds, the optimal sowing time, spacing, soil preparation, intercultural operations, the advantages of mulching, and pest management. A hands-on demonstration was carried out, involving the farmers and the resource person in the preparation of the seed beds for transplanting seedlings. A total of 7 farmers participated in this demonstration program.
Later on the same day, a similar demonstration program was held in Khensa Village, focusing on the cultivation practices of Cabbage. Resource person Akangjungshi B Jamir led the participants in the methods of cabbage cultivation, including the best time for raising nurseries and transplanting seedlings. Hands-on demonstration for preparing nursery beds was also conducted. A total of 5 farmers attended this demonstration program.