In a significant step towards promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing livelihood security amidst the challenges of climate change, a one-day farmer’s training programme on “promotion of vegetable crops for livelihood climatic scenario,” on March 21 at the Wokha Village, marking a crucial initiative to empower the farming community.
The training was conducted by the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP – Vegetable Crops), Nagaland Centre, School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Nagaland University (NU) under Tribal Sub-plan (TSP), in collaboration with Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Wokha.
A release by SAS-NU stated that the training aimed to educate farmers about the adverse effects of climate change on vegetable production and to introduce them to innovative strategies and practices to mitigate these impacts. SAS-NU said the focus was on enhancing the resilience of vegetable crops to both biotic and abiotic stress factors, thus ensuring sustained agricultural productivity and livelihood security.
During the training session, CTO (agri. extension), KVK (ICAR), Wokha, Dr. B L Mhalo Tungoe, emphasised the critical importance of training in equipping farmers with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the complexities of modern agriculture, particularly under the duress of climate change. Scientist at AICRP-VC, SAS: NU, Dr. Ashwini Ananda, spearheaded the technical session on “production aspects of vegetable crops for livelihood security under changing climatic scenario”.
Through a comprehensive pictorial presentation, Dr. Ananda highlighted the profound impact of climate change on vegetable cultivation and emphasised the importance of adopting improved crop varieties, utilizing protected structures, and leveraging weather forecasting tools to navigate the challenges posed by climate variability.
Proprietor of Biodynamics Wokha, Thungdemo Ovung, spoke on the topic, “scientific cultivation of tomato under changing climatic scenario”. In-charge, TSP, AICRP-VC and pro vice-chancellor (SAS:NU), Professor Akali Sema, urged all to embrace the practices, innovations, and knowledge shared and transform the field.