The Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Mokokchung, organized a comprehensive one-day training workshop titled “Regenerative Soil Stewardship for Sustained Productivity and Resilience” for farmers. Held at Sangtemla Community Hall, Mokokchung, the event brought together over forty participants, including farmers, agriculture extension officers, and experts from State Agriculture Research Station, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Yisemyong, District Soil Conservation Office, and District AH & Vety Services Office, Mokokchung.
Special guest Ajit Kumar Verma, IAS, Deputy Commissioner and Chairman, Governing Board, ATMA Mokokchung, emphasized that more than 60% of the rural population in the district relies on agriculture. He underscored soil management as critical to agricultural development, noting ATMA’s role in uplifting farmers and encouraging stakeholder dedication.
I Lipokonen Jamir, Joint Director, State Agriculture Research Station (SARS), Yisemyong, delivered a keynote on regenerative soil practices like minimum tillage, crop rotation, cover cropping, bio-fertilizers, biochar, and composting techniques.
Technical expert Imtilemla Pongen, ACTO (Soil Science) from KVK Yisemyong, addressed soil degradation causes and health issues, highlighting strategies for effective management.
Temjenmongla, Soil Conservation Assistant, outlined the national Soil Health Card Scheme, stressing its importance and the methodology of soil sample collection, alongside the significance of macro and micronutrients.
Ruokuosietuo Dzuvichu, in his training highlight, stressed the urgency of soil regeneration for sustainable agriculture.
The workshop included interactive sessions where farmers raised concerns about soil fertility, erratic rainfall, and rising input costs. Eleven farmers and groups received awards for their contributions.
ATMA plans follow-up field visits and farmer-to-farmer demonstration sites, collaborating with state agriculture extension services to monitor soil health and crop performance improvements.