Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Yisemyong, Mokokchung, successfully organized an awareness programme on Host Plant Cultivation Practices and Management. The event was held under the ongoing Mera Resham Mera Abhimaan (MRMA) campaign by the Central Silk Board, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, in collaboration with the State Department of Sericulture, Nagaland, and KVK, Yisemyong.
The programme aimed to educate local farmers on scientific cultivation and management practices of food plants for Muga and Eri silkworms. Dr. Ravi Kumara, Scientist, Central Silk Board, Kobulong, served as the chief resource person and detailed the objectives of the MRMA campaign. He highlighted methods for Muga host plant (Som and Soalu) cultivation, including nursery raising techniques, plantation, spacing, pruning, pollarding, fertilizer application, and Muga rearing management.
Immonger Pongen, District Sericulture Officer, and Nokzenketba Longkumer, Sericulture Extension Officer, Mokokchung, elaborated on Eri host plant production technologies. They covered castor varieties, seed sowing, agronomic practices, tapioca cultivation, leaf harvest, and Kesseru nursery raising techniques.
Dr. Martha Chakruno, Assistant Chief Technical Officer, Division of Plant Protection, KVK, explained eco-friendly pest and disease management practices suitable for silkworms. Dr. Sarendi Walling, Assistant Chief Technical Officer, Division of Animal Science, KVK, highlighted the role of high-quality food plants in enhancing silkworm productivity. Imtilemla, Assistant Chief Technical Officer, Division of Soil Conservation, KVK, emphasized soil testing, fertility management, and organic farming practices.
The programme provided farmers with practical knowledge to improve silk production while promoting sustainable and scientific farming techniques in the region.
