Science and Technology Intervention in North-Eastern Region-Technology Facilitation Centre (STINER-TFC), NU:SAS, Medziphema Campus in collaboration with North East Centre for Technology and Reach (NECTAR) conducted five-day Master Trainer’s Training Programme to Promote Scientific Organic Agriculture in North-East India at STINER-TFC, NU: SAS, Medziphema campus from July 15 to 19, 2024.
In a press release by STINER-TFC, Project Incharge, Prof. Akali Sema informed that the training was conducted under the PM-DevINE scheme funded by the Ministry of DoNER. The training brought together 20 Master Trainers from four implementing agencies i.e., ICCOA, KVSS, Sheel Biotech and Access Development Service.
STINER-TFC, Project Incharge highlighted that the objective of the training was to demonstrate various bio pesticide use, application processes, and discussing the importance of bio-control agents in organic farming and create organic clusters in North- East.
STINER-TFC, Project Incharge said that Research Associate, NECTAR, Dr. Sunita Upadhaya, highlighted the importance of farm and organic farm lab designs and management. Assistant professor, Living Bible College, Dr. Otto Awomi. College demonstrated live bio pesticides and discussed plant protection in sustainable agriculture, showcasing indigenous preparations of bio pesticide like Neemastra and Agniastra. NU:SAS, Medziphema campus, Prof. L Tongpang Longkumer provided detailed insights on organic farming inputs, economic and social benefits, and application methods.
Project Assistant, STINER-TFC, Bikram Ghimere, conducted a field demonstration on vermicomposting.
State Officer, NECTAR, Bakul Chandra Saikai gave awareness about biological pests and emphasizing the significance of biocontrol agents in organic farming and discussed their potential for pest control and conservation of existing natural enemies in farm lab areas. The training concluded with exposure trip visiting the Integrated Extension Training Centre (I.E.T.C) Dept. of Agriculture, and organic pineapple farm in Molvum village.
The training was conducted under the initiative of Project in charge, STINER-TFC & PVC, NU: SAS, Medziphema campus, Prof. Akali Sema, where she highlighted the role of STINER in entrepreneurship development in the state and accentuated on the importance of empowering communities towards economic resiliencies.