A six-day capacity building programme on Sustainable Agriculture Practices, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices for improved livelihoods, hosted by ICAR-KVK Phek (ICAR-NRC on Mithun, Medziphema) concluded on February 8, 2025.
The programme was sponsored by ICAR-Vivekananda Parvatiya Krishi Anusandhan Sansthan (VPKAS), Almora. A press release by ICAR-KVK informed that importance of kiwi fruit cultivation, management, and processing was highlighted by District Horticulture Officer, Phek, Senkalemba, emphasizing its significance, alongside post-harvest handling and opportunities in kiwi cultivation in Nagaland, while a presentation on the best practices for kiwi fruit cultivation was presented by Manjunath KS, and hands on demonstration on kiwi fruit pruning organized at KVK farm, with farm managers Manjunath and Keniseto Chucha, providing valuable insights and practical tips.
The second day featured presentations on sustainable agriculture practices, with Assistant Conservator of Forests, Department of Forest, Phek, Dzuthovito Lcho, emphasizing role of Agroforestry, in enhancing biodiversity and biodiversity conservation, while Chief Technical Officer-Agronomy, Dr. Hannah K Asangla, highlighted importance of crop diversification for promoting sustainable agriculture.
On the third day, Soil Conservation Assistant, Soil Conservation Department, Viketuno discussed importance of Soil Health Management, highlighting the significance of soil health cards and soil biota management, while Chief Technical Officer -Soil Science, Dr. T Esther Longkumer, presented lecture on organic amendments, providing insights into their role in maintaining soil fertility.
Topics such as “Integrated Pest Management: Minimizing Chemical Use”, by Horticulture Officer, Pfutsero, Kelhouzakie Chielie, “Water Conservation and Efficient Irrigation Systems”, by Agriculture Officer, SDAO Pfutsero, Khesi, and “Smart Agriculture Practices: Promoting Eco-Friendly Agriculture”, by Agriculture Officer, DAO Phek, Alemba Jamir, were covered in the remaining days. A farmer’s scientist interaction session was also held providing platform for addressing agricultural challenges and finding solutions.