Nuzolu Chuzho, a lead farmer from the Self Help Group (SHG) in Thipuzu village, Phek district, has been honored with the prestigious Innovation Excellence Award at the 5th edition of the “Outlook Agritech Summit & Awards 2024.”
The award ceremony was held in New Delhi, recognized her outstanding contribution to agricultural innovation, and particularly through the project titled “Food Security through Organic Potato Tuber Production.”
The innovative initiative, implemented by ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Phek (ICAR-NRC on Mithun, Medziphema), Nagaland, under the ICAR-ATARI Zone VII, Umiam, was funded by the Farm Sector Promotion Fund (FSPF) under the NABARD, Dimapur sponsored programme.
Chuzho’s achievement stands as a testament to the impact of grassroots-level agricultural practices on improving food security and farmer livelihoods in the region.
It may be noted that Phek district is well-suited for potato cultivation; however, farmers often face a significant challenge due to the unavailability of quality potato tubers during the crucial planting season.
Many local farmers are forced to procure tubers from neighboring states, which not only delays planting but also incurs high transportation costs. To overcome this problem, ICAR-KVK Phek developed an innovative solution aimed at ensuring local access to high-quality potato seeds.
The project involved constructing a low-cost bamboo storage structure for potato seeds, specifically targeting SHGs in Thipuzu village. The storage facility allows farmers to preserve potato tubers after harvest, ensuring they remain viable for use in the next planting season.
The bamboo storage structure is designed to provide optimal conditions for storing potato tubers. The facility is constructed using bamboo racks in a well-ventilated room, with wooden walls and a roof made of CGI sheets.
It has a capacity to store up to 6 tonnes of tubers, significantly reducing post-harvest losses and providing a consistent supply of quality seeds for local farmers. The success of this project highlights the potential of innovative, low-cost agricultural solutions to solve persistent challenges in rural farming communities.
Chuzho’s recognition at the Outlook Agritech Summit & Awards 2024 was a proud moment for Nagaland’s farming community and served as an inspiration for farmers across India to embrace innovation and sustainable agricultural practices.