Chuchuyimlang: ATMA Mokokchung holds training on Vermicomposting

Chuchuyimlang, February 11(MTNews): Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Mokokchung in association with State Agricultural Management & Extension Training Institute (SAMETI), Medziphema and MANAGE, Hyderabad conducted a six-day Skill Training of Rural Youth (STRY) program at Chuchuyimlang village under Chuchuyimlang block, Mokokchung from February 6-11 on the topic “Vermi-Composting”.

The training program started with an inaugural program chaired by Aolemla Kichu, Block Technology Manager, Chuchuyimlang block, ATMA Mokokchung. Sanepong Tzudir, Associate Pastor Youth, Chuchuyimlang Baptist Arogo pronounced the invocation. Sentinaro Longchar, Deputy Project Director, ATMA, Mokokchung highlighted the aims and objectives of the training and encouraged all the participants to actively partake during the six-day training course.

The inaugural program ended with a vote of thanks from Tangit Longkumer, Assistant Technology Manager, ATMA Chuchuyimlang block, Mokokchung. The resource persons for the technical session were Toshinenla Pongen, JSCO, Department of Soil & Water Conservation, Mokokchung; Sentinaro Longchar, Deputy Project Director; Shilunokdang, Assistant Technology Manager, Mangkolemba Block; along with the Block Technology Manager and Assistant Technology Managers of Chuchuyimlang block, Mokokchung.

Resource persons covered topics on introduction to Vermiculture and Vermi-composting; Importance of Vermicompost; Overview of Potential Benefits and Constraints; Methods of composting and preparation of vermicompost; Identification of Basic Characteristics of Worm; Role of Earthworms in improving soil fertility; Selection of site, tools and equipment used in vermicomposting; Construction of Vermicomposting site; Working with worms; Nutrient content of Vermicompost; Pest and Diseases; Environmental Risk and Benefits, Application of Vermiwash; Scope of Vermi Technology in Organic Farming and Post-harvest Management; General First Aid precautions in vermicomposting.

Topics on revenue generation, basic marketing skills and success stories on Vermi-composting were also shared to the participants. Practical session and hands-on demonstration on preparation of Vermi-bed was conducted where all the trainees actively participated. The six days training ended with a valedictory program where certificates were distributed to the participants.

Altogether, fifteen unemployed youths from Chuchuyimlang village attended the skill training program. Inputs such as portable Vermicompost beds, watering can and Earthworms (Eiseniafetida) were distributed to the participants.