Akashvani Mokokchung in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Mokokchung celebrated “Radio Kisan Diwas 2025” at Kobulong village, Mokokchung on February 15, 2025. The event aimed to highlight the role of radio in agricultural awareness and development while addressing key issues faced by farmers.
Delivering key note address, Habemo Ngullie, programme executive and Head of Programme at Akashvani Mokokchung, emphasized the significance of Kisan Vani Diwas in recognizing farmers’ contributions to the economy and society.
He underscored the role of agriculture as the backbone of agrarian nations like India, where a significant population depends on farming for their livelihood.
He stressed the importance of bridging the communication gap between policymakers and farmers by promoting modern agricultural techniques, climate-resilient farming, and sustainable solutions.
Habemo also highlighted the role of media in amplifying farmers’ voices and raising awareness of government policies aimed at improving their welfare. He encouraged farmers to actively engage with agricultural institutions to gain knowledge and access resources that could enhance their productivity and income.
Dr. Keviletsu Khate, senior scientist and Head of KVK Mokokchung, spoke on the importance of soil and water in agriculture, noting the impact of global warming on rainfall patterns and its unpredictability. He highlighted the issue of soil acidity in Mokokchung, which affects crop productivity due to excessive use of salt water and herbicides.
He encouraged the farmers to adopt sustainable practices, citing the successful example of Chuchuyimlang, where shifting to organic methods has yielded positive results.
Dr. Khate also emphasized the importance of soil testing and informed farmers that both KVK and Soil department offer recommendations for soil health improvement.
He also encouraged the formation of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), which allow farmers to access loans up to Rs. 2 crore at a minimal interest rate. He also highlighted some of the government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and National Food Security Mission (NFSM), which provide crucial financial and technical support to farmers.
Imo Jamir, Block Development Officer of Kobulong, highlighted the contributions of former Prime Minister Charan Singh in advocating for farmers’ rights and policy reforms. He noted Singh’s efforts in land redistribution, minimum support prices, and credit accessibility for small farmers, which played a crucial role in strengthening rural economies.
He emphasized the role of the Gram Panchayat Development Plan in empowering villagers and clarified that, in Nagaland, governance at the village level was conducted under the Village Development Board (VDB) as per Article 371(A) of the Constitution.
He therefore urged the farmers to take an active role in utilizing government schemes, making informed decisions, and sharing knowledge within their communities for overall agricultural and rural development.
Meyatoshi, a farmer representative, spoke about the importance of preserving traditional seedlings and sustainable farming practices. The event also witnessed the felicitation of notable farmers for their outstanding contributions to livelihood upliftment.
Meyatoshi Aier from Longjang was recognized for his dedication to livestock and sustainable farming. Imlitoshi Walling from Yimehalu was honored for his efforts in livestock and fishery farming. Temsutoshi from Kobulong received recognition for his commitment to dairy farming and sustainable agriculture.
In addition to the main event, technical sessions were held where Dr. Sarendi Walling, ACTO (Animal Science) from KVK Mokokchung, conducted a session on livestock health and distributed deworming medicines and vitamin mixtures. Imtilemla, ACTO (Soil Conservation), spoke on soil testing and sustainable soil management, distributing vegetable seedlings to the participants.
Earlier, the program was chaired by Dr. Sarendi Walling. The event featured presentations of Anung Ali Kubok by Longjang farmers and Kisu-Luyimer by Mopungchuket farmers. The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Imtisenla, ACTO (Agronomy) at KVK Mokokchung.