The School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University (SAS, NU), Medziphema Campus, hosted a two-day Interstate Training and Exposure Trip for 10 farmers from the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Senapati District, Manipur, on 7-8 November 2024. The farmers were accompanied by ATMA officials, with the aim of improving their skills and knowledge towards improved farming. This initiative is part of the ongoing extension activities conducted by ATMA Senapati, under the Department of Agriculture, Government of Manipur.
The program began with an introductory session, where the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Prof Akali Sema, and the Dean, Prof L Daiho, SAS, NU, addressed the farmers on the significance of agricultural development and farmer education in the region. Dr Mary N Odyuo, in-charge of the Farmers Cell (FC), coordinated the program, with FC members Dr Lanunola Tzudir, Dr Sentimenla Jamir, and Dr Deepa Thangjam facilitating guided tours for the visiting farmers.
On the first day, the farmers explored various research facilities within the campus, including the STINER Center, Vermi-compost Unit, Mushroom Unit, Library, Educational Museum, All India Coordinated Research Project on Vegetable Crops (AICRP-VC), Horticulture Farm, Poultry & Piggery Unit, and Apiculture Farms. These visits provided valuable insights into innovative agricultural practices and research advancements.
On the second day, a training session on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) was conducted, with Dr Sabbithi Pavan, Assistant Professor and FC member in the Department of Entomology, as the resource person. The session aimed to foster a collaborative initiative to promote sustainable agricultural practices and empower local farmers with effective pest control strategies. The day concluded with a guided tour of the Entomology Museum, where participants explored specimens and gained hands-on experience in pest identification.