A hands-on demonstration on “Improved Package and Practices of Beans” was conducted at Longmisa village, Mokokchung. Resource person Tajungsola Jamir, ATM from Ongpangkong North Block, provided practical training on the preparation of fields, proper spacing, and irrigation for beans. She emphasized the importance of maintaining a spacing of 2.5 to 3 feet apart, as bushy beans require adequate space to thrive. Once the seedlings germinate, they should be thinned to 3-4 inches apart to ensure healthy growth.
Jamir also stressed the significance of pest and disease management, highlighting that bushy beans are particularly prone to various pests. To reduce the risk of pest damage, she advised farmers to grow companion crops such as sweet corn, green peas, and lettuce. This practice not only helps with pest control but also boosts overall productivity.
The demonstration also covered the importance of using biopesticides, which were distributed to the farmers, along with bean seeds to support their ongoing cultivation efforts. A total of 8 female farmers attended the session, gaining valuable insights into the best practices for bean farming.
In addition, a second demonstration on “Improved Management Practices of Tomato” was conducted at Ungma village, where Jamir shared her expertise in nursery management, including seedbed preparation, seed sowing, mulching, and transplanting. She explained the proper spacing requirements for tomatoes and emphasized the significance of ploughing, hoeing, and adding organic manures like well-rotten FYM and vermicompost to improve soil health.
Jamir further discussed cultural practices such as weeding, staking, training, and pruning, which are crucial for maintaining healthy tomato plants. She also provided practical advice on pest and disease management for tomatoes, ensuring that farmers are well-equipped to handle common challenges.
A total of 4 farmers attended the tomato demonstration, where they were provided with tomato seeds and biopesticides to support their farming activities.