Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), a society of key stake holders, has been continually working to teach and show farmers the latest and most efficient farming methods. Following are some reports of its activities.
Niuland block & KVK Jharnapani joint visit to Toria field: ATMA Dimapur, Niuland block went on a joint visit with KVK Jharnapani to a Toria (TS-67 variety) field at Niuland town on January 19. The field belongs to Achipi SHG. The SHGs had received toria seeds during an ATMA demonstration in collaboration with KVK Jharnapani during the month of November 2018. The field is located in two clusters at a combined area of one acre belonging to the SHG women farmers.
A press release from ATM Niuland block, Sukhabo Swu stated that during the joint visit, resource person from KVK-Jharnapani, ACTO (Agronomy), CH. Roben Singh, treated certain plants infected with pests like aphids and had wrinkled and shrunk. This may have spread to other plants resulting in reduction in yield. He explained the use of yellow sticky fly traps which should be done manually to practice organic growing.
The resource person also examined the plants in the field and found the seed pods healthy and normal. He sensitized the women farmers on irrigation saying it should be conducted at least once in a week for proper yield. He calculated that the one acre of toria cultivation may yield approximately 200 kgs during harvest probably by February first week. He said that the yield could have been more but due to lack of a water source nearby and lower soil fertility, the yield will be a little less than what could have been.
Chizami block inaugurates Banana Farm School: ATMA Phek, Chizami block inaugurated a banana farm school on January 28 at Chizami village.
A press release from ATMA Chizami block stated that the resource person, BTM Zevosenuo Rutsa, highlighted the concept and purpose of farm schools and how they can benefit not only the farmer concerned but whole village as well. Wetenyi Ela was appointed as the farm school teacher.
A training program and demonstration of cultivation practices of banana, intercropping of maize and soyabean were also conducted with ATM Atso as the resource person. Farmers groups were also mobilized at Chizami, Mesulumi and Enhulumi villages.
Shamator block inaugurates banana farm school: ATMA Tuensang, Shamator block inaugurated a “banana farm school” at Yakor village on January 24, chaired by Ketholezo Kipu ATM where he highlighted the concept and operationalizing system of farm schools.
A press release from ATMA Tuensang stated that the resource person for the farm school was Yimobendang BTM, who spoke on “Cultivation practices of banana”. N. Throngso was appointed the farm school teacher.
A group mobilization program was also conducted at Shamator village on January 24. Formation of SHG, its function proper keeping of records and opening of bank account was explained in brief by Yimobendang (BTM) Shamator block.
The participants also shared their views and opinions and thanked ATMA for organizing such programs. The team was led by Mukam fishery demonstrator (FD) under department of fishery and ATMA officials.