NABARD-KVK initiative concludes after introducing nutrient and pest management practices
A NABARD-funded project aimed at improving tomato productivity through Integrated Nutrient Management at Longkhum village has concluded after a season in which farmers reported improved fruit size and quality and no major marketing difficulties.
The project, implemented by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Mokokchung, concluded with a final Project Monitoring Committee meeting held at Chunglir Lanur Hall of C-Khel, Longkhum, on August 26.
Among the project beneficiaries, farmer Aolemba recorded the highest yield of 4.5 metric tonnes and was felicitated during the program.
DDM NABARD Mokokchung Poji said the farmers had successfully implemented the project despite difficulties caused by the late burning of jhum fields. He encouraged them to adopt scientific cultivation practices, expand tomato cultivation and share their experience with farmers in neighbouring villages.
Poji also highlighted the importance of value addition after production and encouraged farmers to look beyond cultivation towards processing and marketing. He said wider participation could eventually create the scope for a Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) involving farmers from two or three villages with a common commodity or interest.
Senior Scientist and Head of KVK Mokokchung, Dr Keviletsu Khate, said the yield from the project area was below expectations but the harvest had been satisfactory in terms of fruit size and quality. He also noted that the farmers had not faced marketing problems.
Khate said the beneficiaries had gained experience in the complete production process, from nursery management and nutrient application to pest and disease management and value addition.
During the program, beneficiaries Takodong, chairman of the Project Monitoring Committee, and Aolemba shared their experiences of the project. Rongsenmayang, president of the Longkhum Multipurpose Cooperative Society, also shared observations and expressed support for the formation of an FPO among tomato farmers.
The project provided farmers with technical guidance and input support from NABARD and KVK Mokokchung, with beneficiaries saying they had gained knowledge in scientific nutrient management, use of organic inputs and pest and disease management.
The project highlights and report were presented by Imtilemla, ACTO (Soil Conservation).
The programme marked the completion of the project with the end of the current tomato season.
