A training and field demonstration on sunflower oilseed cultivation was held at AgriNova Oorganic Farmers, Chungtor Village, Longkhim, under the initiative of Dr. Bongliba Sangtam, Coordinator of AgriNova Oorganic Farmers. The project aims to improve the livelihood of rural communities through sustainable oilseed cultivation and value addition.
The programme was supported by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Medziphema, Nagaland, and the Indian Institute of Oil Research (IIOR), Hyderabad. On behalf of the farmers, Dr. Sangtam expressed sincere gratitude to Dr. H. Kalita, Joint Director, and Dr. Harendra Verma, Scientist, ICAR-Medziphema, along with their colleagues, for visiting and providing hands-on guidance to local farmers. He also thanked Prof. Mathur, Director of IIOR, Hyderabad, and Dr. Qureshi, Principal Scientist, for supplying sunflower oilseeds and extending continued support for the project. Dr. Sangtam further acknowledged Ariba Anar, State Coordinator, NERAMAC, Ministry of DoNER, for facilitating market linkages for future oilseed production.
During the training, Dr. Verma highlighted the importance of sunflower oilseed farming and multicropping to enhance rural income. He encouraged farmers to cultivate sunflower oilseeds immediately after the rice harvest to make full use of available land and generate income through cash crops. He recommended row-wise sowing with one-foot spacing for better yield and easier maintenance. He also advised using well-decomposed pig or cow manure as an organic fertilizer to enrich the soil.
Dr. Kalita emphasised the optimal cultivation period between November and March, avoiding the monsoon season. He urged farmers to work sincerely and assured ICAR’s continued support. Dr. Sangtam said the initiative aims not only to introduce a new crop but also to strengthen community-based farming through knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation.
