The School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University (SAS, NU), through its Farmers’ Cell, conducted a need-based ‘On-Farm Demonstration on Winter Vegetable Crops Cultivation’ for its adopted villages, Sirhi-Angami and Hekeshe, on November 4, 2024. The objective of the event was to empower local farmers with practical knowledge on winter vegetable crop management and crop protection.
The resource persons were Dr Ashwini Ananda, Scientist, AICRP-Vegetable Crops, and Dr Sabbithi Pavan, Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology. Dr Ananda provided guidance on winter vegetable crop cultivation, including hands-on instruction for planting and management techniques, while also enhancing farmers’ understanding of best practices for improving crop productivity. Dr Pavan focused on crop protection, specifically on methods to safeguard crops from pests and insects through Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
The program began with an inaugural session chaired by Dr Lanunola Tzudir, Assistant Professor. The session included an invocation by the Pastor of Hekeshe Village Baptist Church, remarks from Dr Mary N Odyuo, Associate Professor and in-charge of the Farmers’ Cell, and short speeches from the Village Council Chairmen of Hekeshe and Sirhi-Angami villages, who emphasized the importance of sustainable agricultural practices. Dr Sabbithi Pavan, Assistant Professor, concluded the inaugural session with a vote of thanks.
The event concluded with feedback from participants and closing remarks from the Farmers’ Cell in-charge, marking a successful day of knowledge sharing and community engagement. This program is part of SAS, NU’s ongoing efforts to support rural development through targeted agricultural interventions, fostering self-reliance and sustainable practices in local farming communities.