A one-day training program titled “Promotion of Vegetable Cultivation for Livelihood Security” was conducted in Sutemi village on March 8, aimed at promoting and encouraging vegetable cultivation among farmers. The training was organized by the All India Coordinated Research Projects (Vegetable Crops), Nagaland Centre, SASRD, NU, under TSP (Tribal Sub Plan). The program included technical sessions on various topics related to vegetable cultivation, including organic production methods, use of biofertilizers, and natural insecticides. The training was attended by around 93 farmer participants, and the participants expressed their gratitude to the organizers for conducting such training programs and expressed their willingness to participate in future programs.
During the technical session-I, Dr Moakala Changkiri, Scientist, AICRP (VC), Department of Horticulture, SASRD: NU, enlightened the farmers with basic tips on vegetable cultivation, emphasizing the importance of nurseries for high-value vegetable crops to get better economic returns. Dr. Changkiri also demonstrated the seedling root dip method with the use of biofertilizers and highlighted the use of neem oil as a natural insecticide. She also explained the importance and method of soil solarization in vegetable cultivation to manage soil pathogens and improve soil quality.
In technical session-II, Dr. Otto S Awomi, Lecturer, Living Bible College, Ayinato, presented on the protection of vegetable crops, identifying common insect pests, and their management. Dr. Awomi also demonstrated the use of yellow sticky traps and light traps for trapping insects and the preparation of NSKE (Neem Seed Kernel Extract) with locally grown neem trees. He emphasized the importance of NSKE in vegetable cultivation.
The training program included an interaction session where the participants expressed their views on the training program. Summer vegetable seeds, watering cans, and khurpis (trowels) were distributed to all the farmer participants.
In conclusion, the “Promotion of Vegetable Cultivation for Livelihood Security” training program organized by the All India Coordinated Research Projects (Vegetable Crops), Nagaland Centre, SASRD, NU, is a step towards encouraging and promoting vegetable cultivation among farmers. The training program provided the farmers with various technical sessions on organic production methods, biofertilizers, natural insecticides, and soil management, which can improve soil quality and increase crop yield. Such training programs are crucial for promoting sustainable agriculture and achieving food security.
