DIMAPUR: A training programme on “Scientific Approaches for Sustainable Sesame Cultivation” was conducted at Sukhovi Village Council Hall on June 8 under the All India Co-ordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Sesame, funded by ICAR, AICRP-Sesame and Niger, Project Coordinating Unit, JNKVV, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.
The programme was attended by 30 farmers from Sukhovi village under Chümoukedima district.
Project in-charge, assistant professor, Department of Agronomy, Dr. Debika Nongmaithem highlighted the importance and potential of sesame in Nagaland’s oilseed sector. She noted that although sesame is cultivated only in limited areas of the state, it remains a highly sought-after crop and an important culinary staple.
Emphasising the need for an integrated approach to boost sesame production, she said the state should focus not only on cultivation but also on oil extraction to reduce dependence on imports from other states.
Dr. Nongmaithem also discussed scientific crop production practices, including timely sowing, selection of suitable varieties, seed treatment, use of biofertilisers, line sowing with proper spacing, and the importance of sulphur in oilseed production. An interactive session with farmers on various aspects of sesame cultivation followed the technical presentations.
The programme concluded with the distribution of agricultural inputs to participating farmers. It was chaired by Dr. Hillel Chishi, guest faculty, Department of Agronomy, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University.
