ATMA activities across the state

Activities conducted by Agriculture Technology Management Agency in various parts of the state.
Mon: ATMA Phomching block Mon conducted various training and demonstration at Yuching, Mokok and Sheanghah Tangten on February 19, 20 and 21 with BTM, Nunghothung Odyuo, ATM, Kanato Sumi and BTM, Mhachamo Ngullie as resource persons.
Meanwhile, the training was provided on the application of bio-fertilisers in Solanaceous crops, management practices in French beans and inter-cultural practices of Okra.
Demonstration on cultivation of ridge gourd, bitter gourd, French beans, Okra and Solanaceous crops were also conducted. Altogether 50 members from different SHGs of three villages attended the programme. Seeds and bio-fertilisers were distributed to SHG members.
Medziphema: One-day state farmers training for Self Help Group (SHG) on mushroom cultivation and value addition of fruits and vegetables was conducted on February 20 at Seithekima-C village under Medziphema block.
The training programme was organised by Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Dimapur in collaboration with the Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission (NSRLM). 
During the training programme, resource person Chief Technical Officer (CTO) home science, KVK (ICAR), Jharnapani, Kenny V. Rhetso trained the farmers on the topic “value addition of fruits and vegetables”.
She highlighted on the various methods of homemade squash, jam, pickle and juice preparation from different types of fruits and vegetables and illustrated on the locally available ingredients such as tapioca, yam, jackfruit, banana and sticky rice to bake cakes and chips.  Resource person also emphasized that value addition methods are simple and can be taken up anytime depending upon seasonal fruits and vegetables available and also saves money from buying in markets which are mostly artificially flavoured and processed. Kenny demonstrated and explained in detail the method of preparation of Yonchak (tree bean) pickle.
Further, she advised women participants to practice them as its preparation is very simple and since yonchak was quite a delicacy and easily available it can be packaged and sold which will help them gain additional income and ensure economic security for the family and also for the group.
Meanwhile, KVK (ICAR), Jharnapani SMS (plant protection) Lireni Kikon spoke and trained women SHG’s on “oyster mushroom cultivation” and gave detailed information on ingredients required and step-by-step preparation on mushroom cultivation.
Further, the resource person also suggested using one year old dried straw to avoid contamination and collect the straw during dry season explained the importance of mushroom cultivation, its advantages and consumption benefits as it is considered as a vegetarian meat since it contains 2.3-3% protein and 19-35% protein (dry weight).
She also encouraged women SHG’s to take up this venture as this process is easy and it not only generates extra earning but can also generate employment opportunity for women folks. The programme also followed interaction session.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by NSRLM, Medziphema block, Block Programme Manager (BPM) Eyingpeni Ngullie and welcome address was delivered by ATMA Dimapur, deputy project director Janet Chishi.
Later, BTM, Medziphema block Chubanaro Jamir delivered vote of thanks. Altogether, 35 women farmers and SHG’s were present during the programme.