The Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Ongpangkong North Block, conducted a training program on “Mushroom Cultivation” at Longsa village on 9th April 2025. The primary objective of the program was to impart knowledge about mushroom farming as a potential means to improve the socio-economic status of rural women and youth facing unemployment.
The program was chaired by Watisenla Imchen (BTM), ATMA Ongpangkong North Block. During the session, resource person Tajungsola Jamir (ATMA Ongpangkong North Block) highlighted the domestic-level opportunities in mushroom cultivation. She noted that mushrooms have been identified as a priority item in the government’s latest initiative alongside the promotion of vegetables and fruits. Referred to as “white vegetables” or “boneless vegetarian meat,” mushrooms are rich in proteins, vitamins, fiber, and possess medicinal properties, making them increasingly significant for their nutritional and health benefits.
Among various types of mushrooms, the oyster mushroom holds the largest market share in the Northeast, including Nagaland. The region offers favorable conditions—such as suitable climate, abundant raw materials, and limited supply from other parts of India—for year-round cultivation of Pleurotus species. Tajungsola emphasized the economic potential of oyster mushroom farming in the Northeast. A total of 17 female farmers attended the training, and each received mushroom spawn, perforated polythene bags (60x30cm), and plastic ropes.
A demonstration session on “Cultivation Practices of Oyster Mushroom” was also conducted, where farmers were taught paddy straw cutting (5 cm), sterilization, and mushroom bag preparation. The resource person explained that oyster mushrooms thrive best in March-April and September-October in hilly areas, requiring a temperature range of 20–30°C. She advised hanging polybags in well-aerated rooms and maintaining cleanliness. The first flush of fruiting bodies appears within 20–25 days, followed by 2–3 subsequent flushes every 10 days. A total of 10 farmers (9 female and 1 male) attended the demonstration session.
Capacity building programme on value addition of brinjal and ginger
ATMA, Ongpangkong North Block, Mokokchung also conducted two capacity building programmes on “Value Addition of Brinjal” and “Value Addition of Ginger” for two Food Security Groups (FSGs) — Mulongtok and Ali Merem — on 10th April 2025 at Chubayimkum village.
The sessions were facilitated by Watisenla Imchen (BTM) and Tajungsola (ATM) of ATMA Ongpangkong North Block, who demonstrated step-by-step procedures for preparing brinjal pickle and ginger candy. The primary objective of the programme was to reduce post-harvest losses and increase profits for farm women engaged in the cultivation of fruits and vegetables through value-added processing.
To support the participants, glass jars and containers were distributed to the farmers at the end of the training. A total of 16 female farmers attended the programme.