Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) is a society of key stakeholders engaged in improving farmers’ lives and bringing them the latest methods and technologies to streamline and update their farming. Following are reports of some of their activities.
ATMA Longleng block demonstration of chilly and knol khol: ATMA Longleng block conducted a demonstration program on March 18, at Oushok village.
A press release from PD ATMA & DSO Longleng Ngangshimeyu stated that resource person agriculture officer, C. Amei Phom, demonstrated packages of practices for chilly and knol khol. She highlighted the methods of nursery management, transplanting, weed/pest and diseases control measures and harvesting. The program was chaired by ATM Bendangkumzuk. Altogether, 15 farmers attended the training.
Chunlikha block mobilization of farmers: ATMA Chunlikha block conducted a program on mobilization of farmers and inaugurated of dairy farm school at K. Station village on February 23. The Diary Farm School was inaugurated by Tseminyu assistant surgeon, Dr. Guathonlo Tsela.
A press release from ATMA Chunlikha block stated that Tsela dwelt on economic benefits of the dairy market and its value added products. Tsela encouraged farmers to practice more dairy farming and pointed out that a place like Tseminyu has limited dairy farms. He informed the farmers that most dairy products from the state were mainly imported from other states and this will not help boost the local economy. He also spoke on health management and sanitation, stating that timely vaccinations of cattle and ensuring their proper health and balanced nutrition will result in quality milk production.
Assistant technology manager, Chenobu spoke on the concept of a farm school and the role and responsibilities of a farm school teacher. Tseilo Kath was appointed as the farm school teacher. A total of 17 farmers benefited from the training program.
ATMA Peren inter-state farmers training: Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Peren organized an inter-state farmers training trip to Assam from February 22 to 23.
A press release from ATMA Peren stated that the team visited CPCRI (ICAR) at Kahikuchi, where indigenous improved cultivator of areca nut, coconut and cocoa are promoted and grown together. Singajit, scientist ICAR, highlighted various farming techniques and proper skills acquainting the farmers with modern techniques for commercial agriculture, emerging trends in organic farming and cultivation of different agriculture crops along scientific lines. He also opined that Naga farmers were barefoot scientists and they should give importance to local resources.
Altogether 12 farmers and four ATMA functionaries were part of the tour.
ATMA Sechü-Zubza conducts training and demonstration: ATMA Sechü-Zubza block, under Kohima district, conducted training and demonstration programs on February 13, at Mengujuma, Kiruphema Bawe and Kiruphema Basa.
The resource persons were BTM, Isabela Kajini Zinyü and ATM, Ketsivino Nakhro.
In view of the large ginger production from these villages, which has a low shelf life, a training session was conducted on value addition to ginger by ATM Ketsivino Nakhro. She showed the participants how to prepare ginger pickle and ginger candy. This was followed by a vermicomposting demonstration by BTM Isabela Kjini Zinyü. She showed the steps to prepare vermicompost, methods and precautions to be taken during the production process, its advantages and benefits.
According to the press release, “mobilization of capacity building on gardening was imparted by ATM Thejavizonuo Kelio.” The farmers were informed about the benefits of working together. The farmers were also appraised about the proper practices to be used in maintaining a garden.
The program concluded with an interaction where most of the farmers shared their grievances, their potential interest and needs.