Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) has been conducting various activities with farmers across that state to bring them the latest farming methods, knowledge and technology. Following are some more reports covering activities in September and into October 2018.
ATMA Chumukedima block: ATMA Chumukedima block along with a technical expert from the department of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry visited a poultry farm in Aoyimti, Dimapur on September 6.
A press release by ATMA stated that the resource person, Dr. Limadangit from the department of veterinary and animal husbandry, spoke about the management techniques of poultry birds.
The program organised by ATMA Dimapur was chaired by ATM, Chumukedima Block, Keneisanuo Keditsu while a welcome address was delivered by convenor ATMA, Chumukedima Block, Neisetuonuo. The program concluded with an interaction and was attended by 10 farmers.
ATMA Chizami block: ATMA Phek Chizami block inaugurated a cardamom farm school at Chizami village on September 14, where Welhite Naro was appointed as the farm school teacher.
A press release from ATMA Phek stated that ATM Sibino Dolie highlighted the purpose and guidelines of farm school. Welhite shared about his experiences and briefly highlighted the management practices that he carried out in his farm. The program was followed by an interactive session. Vote of thanks was given by ATM Atso Koza. Altogether 20 farmers attended the program.
Meanwhile, a block farmers’ advisory committee (BFAC) meeting for ATMA Chizami block was held at Chizami village. ATM Atso briefly highlighted the main role and objectives of BFAC members in a block. The farmers actively participated in the meeting and the program was concluded with a vote of thanks by Wepe.
ATMA Phek district: An interstate staff tour for ATMA Phek district was organised to Bomdila and Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh from September 13 to 17.
A press release from ATMA Phek stated that the visit mainly focused on the apple production in Arunachal Pradesh, because the state is rising as a major apple growing state in North East India, with Tawang being one of the leading producers.
During the visit to the apple orchard under Horticulture department at Shergaon, the seven member team learned about various apple varieties and their grading systems.
The team also visited Sela Pass, Bumla Pass and Sangestar Tso Lake among other landmark tourist attractions.
ATMA Chuchuyimlang block: ATMA Chuchuyimlang block conducted a training program on production of vermicompost at Chuchuyimlang village on September 29.
A press release from BTM Chuchuyimlang block, Asang Ozukum stated that resource persons for the training were Kilemla and Asangla from Tabensa SHG, Mopungchuket.
Resource person Kilemla spoke about the success story of their Tabensa SHG. She stated that for the success of an SHG, the members should be like minded.
Asangla talked about the steps in vermicompost production. Precautions to be taken during the process of compost production were deliberated during the interaction session.
Agriculture officer and convener Mayang encouraged the farmers to opt for vermicompost production since the key to a successful organic agriculture was through the use of vermicompost to enhance soil fertility.
Vermicompost kit and samples of vermicompost were given to the farmers. The program was chaired by BTM Tekasangla Ozukum and invocation was said by Kilang. The program was attended by 20 farmers.
Also on October 1, the ways and methods of cultivating cauliflower (variety white contessa) were demonstrated at Longkong village by an ATMA Chuchuyimlang block, Mokokchung team.
A press release from BTM Chuchuyimlang block, Asang Ozukum stated that the resource person was Renbemo, KVK Mokokchung. He demonstrated the making of nursery beds and explained to the farmers the correct depth of seed placement in the soil and how proper care should be taken in order to protect the plant from pests and fungal diseases. He also briefed them on the importance of mulching instead of burning the paddy that is left on the field after paddy harvesting. Altogether five farmers were benefitted from the demonstration and seeds were also distributed to them.
ATMA Chessore block: ATMA Chessore block Tuensang conducted a block farmers’ advisory committee (BFAC) meeting at community hall, Kuthur on October 4.
A press release by BTM, ATMA Chessore block Tuensang, Ajung Pongen stated that a brief introduction was given by Merenjungla (BTM) ATMA Chessore Block about the aims and objectives of ATMA. An interaction session followed and was concluded with a fruitful interaction among the members. Altogether ten BFAC members attended the meeting along with ATMA officials.
ATMA Chessore block, also inaugurated a cardamom farm school at Kuthur village on October 5. During the inaugural program Merenjungla BTM explained the concept of cardamom farm school and how it would facilitate and benefit farmers of the entire block. She encouraged meaningful participation in the farm school with a vision towards scientific farming. Michael was selected as the farm school teacher.
The inaugural program was followed by a technical session where resource person Recha Imchen, horticulture inspector, Tuensang taught the farmers the importance of proper site selection, shade regulation, land preparation, planting and also on identification and management of pest and diseases of large cardamom. The program was chaired by C. Yamukam ATM, ATMA. Altogether 10 cardamom farmers participated in the program.
The ATMA unit further organized an inaugural function for an integrated farm school at Kuthur village on October 5 with Niujichung as the farm school teacher.
C. Yamukam ATM, ATMA Chessore block, Tuensang gave a brief introduction and resource person Recha Imchen spoke on the importance and cultivation practices of integrated farming. A total of 13 farmers participated in the program along with ATMA functionaries.
ATMA Sechü-Zubza block: ATMA Sechü-Zubza block under Kohima district inaugurated a cabbage farm school at Khonoma (Dzülerüdi) on October 4.
A press release by ATMA Sechü-Zubza stated that Kevin Khate was appointed as the farm school teacher and that he also shared his experiences on farming during a brief interaction with participants of the inaugural program.
ATMA Sechü-Zubza block, ATM, Thejavizonuo Kelio highlighted to the farmers the functioning and role of ATMA and also gave a briefing on the roles and functions of the farm school.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks by ATMA Sechü-Zubza block, Ketseivino Nakhro.
The ATMA unit also inaugurated a Guava farm school at Sechii-Zubza on October 6 where Keviwhekho Zinyii was appointed as the farm school teacher.
A press release from ATMA Sechii-Zubza stated that BTM ATMA Sechii-Zubza block, Isabella Kajiini Zinyii briefed the farmers on the cultivation practices of guava. ATM, Thejavizonuo Kelio highlighted to the farmers the functioning and role of ATMA and also briefed them on the roles and functions of the farm school.
Farm school teacher, Keviwhekho Zinyii, a seasoned farmer shared his experiences on guava cultivation and also encouraged other farmers to take up cultivation of guava as it is a profitable endeavour. The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by ATM, Sechii- Zubza block, Keviravono Visa.