Mokokchung, June 21 (MTNews): A one-day awareness training on “Natural Farming for Gram Pradhans” was organized by Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Mokokchung in collaboration with District Administration, Mokokchung; MANAGE, Hyderabad; and SAMETTI, Medziphema on 21st June 2022.
“The training was held in order to take forward the message of Prime Minister Modi on importance Natural Farming in Gujarat on 16th December 2021 emphasized the importance of Natural Farming and highlighted the need for taking farming out of Chemistry lab and Connect to Nature’s lab by re-learning the ancient knowledge of agriculture,” an update from ATMA Mokokchung said. This can be achieved by promoting natural farming as a mass movement and establishingnatural farming in one village in every panchayat, it said.
The event covered two major components – Inaugural Programme and Technical Session. Dr. Lanunochetla, Dy. District Agriculture Officer, Mokokchung welcomed all the participants and officials from all departments followed by a brief highlight on the concept and importance of the training on “Natural Farming for Gram Pradhans.” She emphasised on the involvement of Gram Pradhans as they being the chosen leader from the village, have the authority to change the present farming system to a healthier farming system aiming to conserve the natural resources to support our ecosystem.
Sentilong Ozukum, SDO (Civil), Mokokchung shared his appreciation to all the members of Gram Pradhans and farmers from different villages under Mokokchung district. He said, “Within 20-25 years from now, our land might not be cultivable so it is of outmost importance to take steps on improving our soil health.” He encouraged all the participants to actively partake during the training session and to practice chemical free farming system.
In the technical session, master trainer Bodevi, Deputy Director, Department of Agriculture, Kohima Nagaland highlighted on the importance of earthworms in natural farming as earthworms are one of the major decomposers of organic matter and help in increasing soil aeration, infiltration, structure, nutrient cycling and water movement. He added that we need to go back to our roots and adapt Natural Farming system as use of chemical fertilizer, pesticides and insecticides causes many human health problems as well as leads to soil degradation. He further said that adoption of Natural Farming enables the growers for all year round production by utilizing naturally available resources.
Opanglemba (Champion Farmer) Ongpangkong North block, Mokokchung shared his knowledge of Natural Farming that he gained during his 25 years of farming. He advised the participants that before starting any farming activity, one should have a proper strategic farm planning to increase the profitability. He also encouraged the farmers to use only local seeds by utilizing traditional wisdom to preserve indigenous seed varieties. A short video on his field performance on natural farming was presented.
Jungshinungsang, another Champion Farmer from Ongpangkong South block, Mokokchung, deliberated on management practices in natural farming through use of locally available resources without depending on the use of chemical pesticides, synthetic fertilizers and weedicides. He shared a short video of his off- season cucumber field to encourage the participants.
Dr. B M Sunep, CVO, Department of A.H & Vety. Services, Mokokchung, highlighted the principles of biosecurity in management of livestock farms and proper steps to be followed in biosecurity practices for prevention of high risk infectious diseases. He encouraged the participants to integrate agriculture with animal husbandry which ensures full utilization of the land, water and plants. He further deliberated on the importance of rearing local breeds instead of crossbreed.
C Amongla Jamir BTM, ATMA Kubolong Block, Mokokchung explained on “Understanding the principles of Natural Farming” wherein she elaborated on the concept of soil health management through multi-cropping system, composting, integration of livestock, preparation and use of bio-stimulants and usage of indigenous seeds. She also encouraged the participants to minimise the use of chemical pesticides and insecticides and to adopt better agronomic practices and botanical extracts.
Later, slides of natural farming practices in the district was shared. Altogether 209 participants from all villages of Mokokchung district attended this online awareness programme.