ATMA Sechü-Zubza hosts Kisan Goshti on garlic and potato cultivation

ATMA Sechü-Zubza block conducted a one-day Kisan Goshti on garlic harvesting and improved potato cultivation practices at Khonoma village on March 10. The programme aimed to strengthen farmers’ knowledge by integrating traditional farming wisdom with modern agricultural practices for better productivity and post-harvest management.
During the programme, farmers shared their experience of garlic cultivation, including identifying maturity stages, careful manual harvesting, and traditional sun-drying and bundling techniques to extend storage life. They also highlighted the customary practice of selecting healthy bulbs from previous harvests for seed.
The session further introduced modern post-harvest practices such as proper cleaning, curing, grading, and proper storage to minimise losses and maintain quality.
Emphasis was laid on drying in well-ventilated areas and storing in cool, dry conditions and adopting improved preservation methods to extend shelf life and improve market value was discussed.
The session also covered improved plantation practices of potato, including proper land preparation, selection of quality seed tubers, recommended spacing, nutrient management, pest and disease management and post-harvest managements. Hands on demonstrations were conducted in the field to help farmers understand these improved techniques more effectively.
The programme saw active participation, with farmers sharing their experiences and challenges. The programme was attended by members of Kevichü FIG. The programme concluded with distribution of farm tools to the farmers’ group to support their farming activities and encourage the adoption of improved agricultural practices.