Ungma, 11 November (MTNews): The Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Ongpangkong North Block, Mokokchung, conducted a training, demonstration, and capacity-building program on the 8th and 9th of November 2023 in Mokokchung and Ungma villages, respectively. Nuksunginla Jamir, Assistant Technology Manager, and Watisenla Imchen, Block Technology Manager, served as the resource persons.
The training focused on the “Companion vegetables planting technique for higher production.” Resource person Nukusunginla discussed companion vegetables and their benefits in vegetable farming, emphasizing space-saving, soil health promotion, mutual support among plants, and pest and disease management. A demonstration of the Pro-tray nursery technique highlighted the benefits of preparing disease-free seedlings, promoting proper root growth, saving space, and reducing labor. Farmers received hands-on training in preparing a soilless media by mixing cocopeat, vermiculite, and perlite at a ratio of 3:1:1 and planting seeds in it. Additionally, a demonstration on improved cultivation of garden peas was conducted.
Capacity building sessions on promoting and strengthening good quality bookkeeping for FIGs/CIGs/FSGs and the production technology of Broccoli and Cauliflower were also held. BTM Watisenla explained that accurate bookkeeping is essential for the strength and long-term stability of FIGs/CIGs/FSGs, providing data to resolve disputes and maintain accountability for all group members and stakeholders. ATM Nuksunginla Jamir educated farmers on improved technical knowledge of the production technology of cauliflower and broccoli. Inputs such as seeds of broccoli, cauliflower, garden pea, radish, onion, beetroot, beans, cabbage, coriander, Pro-tray, bio-fertilizers, and bio-pesticides were distributed.