Nagaland: KVK Kohima distributes potato seeds

Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Kohima conducted a training-cum potato tuber seed distribution programme on December 9 at its campus, distributing 5,000 kilograms of certified potato tuber seeds (variety: Kufri Jyoti) to FPOs, farmers’ clubs, farm women and Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from Tseminyu and Kohima districts.
According to KVK Kohima, Principal Scientist & Head, Dr. Ruokuovilie Mezhatsu, the programme was organized under ATARI Zone-VII and sponsored by ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), NEH Programme, New Delhi. He emphasized the importance of adopting scientific cultivation methods and innovative practices to cope with challenges posed by changing weather patterns.
Subject Matter Specialist (Horticulture) & Nodal Officer, NEH Programme, Dr. Shisarenla Aier, highlighted the significance of potato as a staple crop, stressing that improved varieties could enhance yield, reduce crop failure risks and improve rural livelihoods. ACTO (Plant Breeding & Genetics), Dr. Martina Shitri, provided hands-on training on seed treatment, sowing, crop management, harvesting and seed preservation. Interactive sessions also addressed soil health, pest and disease control, and seed quality. Altogether, 46 participants attended the programme.
Meanwhile, ICAR-KVK Longleng conducted a comprehensive technical session on the second day of the 1st edition of Taro Festival at Pongo village, Longleng, on December 6. The session was led by Sr. Scientist & Head, Dr. Hari Charan Kalita, with coordination by SMS (Horticulture) Dr. Kalu Ram and a team of KVK officials. Farmers, youth, women groups and village elders actively participated, showing keen interest in scientific advancements and improved taro cultivation methods suited to local agro-climatic conditions.
The technical session featured lectures by resource persons including ICAR-Nagaland Centre senior scientist Dr. S. Ruth Assumi, scientist Dr. Aabon W. Yanthan, PPV&FRA Guwahati deputy registrar Dr. Atul Chandra Sarma, Central Silk Board Jorhat scientist Dr. Pulak Rabha, KVK Longleng SMS (Horticulture) Dr. Kalu Ram, and 9th APBN Nagaon commandant Dr. Mukut Rabha delivered lectures on horticultural interventions, value addition, varietal protection, sericulture prospects and scientific crop management. Educational video clips were also screened to support farmer learning.