KVK Longleng bags 3 awards at ICAR-ATARI

ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Longleng, achieved a proud milestone during the IXth Foundation Day of ICAR-ATARI, Zone-VII held on June 24 at Umiam, Meghalaya. The KVK was honoured with three prestigious awards—Best KVK for Nagaland (2024–25), Best VKSA Performer Award for Nagaland, and the Krishi Gaurav Award 2025 for Best Innovative Farmer, a DIPR report informed.
The Krishi Gaurav Award was received by M. Daoje Phom of Kangching village, Tamlu block, Longleng district, for her outstanding contribution in organic farming and women empowerment through Self Help Groups (SHGs). She manages a five-hectare Integrated Farming System (IFS) combining crop, livestock, and fisheries, and leads 102 SHGs engaged in food processing and millet-based nutrition.
Krishi Vigyan Kendra Longleng was recognised for its leadership under senior scientist and head, Dr. Hari Charan Kalita, and his team for their efforts in promoting organic farming and training farmers in remote areas. The awards were presented in the presence of dignitaries including Meghalaya agriculture minister, Dr. M Ampareen Lyngdoh, and ICAR and state officials.
A key contributor to the win was the KVK’s performance in the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) 2025, during which the KVK reached out to 16,847 farmers through 117 programs in 91 villages. Teams led by SMS Shubhendu Kumar Behera, Dr. Lily Ngullie, and Dr. Kalu Ram conducted awareness drives on soil health, pest management, natural inputs, and crop-livestock integration. Demonstrations were also held to manage maize fall armyworm, papaya viral diseases, and more.
The team also conducted skill training on turmeric processing, smoked meat, jam and millet products, and promoted awareness of schemes like PM-KISAN and e-NAM. Despite difficult terrain, they ensured outreach to non-registered villages and inspired rural communities.
Dr. Homeswar Kalita, head of ICAR Nagaland Centre, termed the awards a collective achievement for both Krishi Vigyan Kendra Longleng and the farmers of the region.