ATMA establishes integrated farm school, conducts Kisan Mela

DIMAPUR — A farm school—Integrated Pig-Fish Farm—was inaugurated at Litsami village in Zunheboto on Thursday.

An initiative of the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Zunheboto (Akuhaito Block), during the programme, Hekiye Sema was selected as the farm school teacher to disseminate farmer-to-farmer technology transfer, while Nuksunginla Jamir, block technology manager (BTM), briefed on the role and responsibilities of the farm teacher.

A short training session was conducted on the topic of ‘Promotion of integrated farming system (IFS)’, featuring Dr. Enavi P. Kiho, a veterinary assistant surgeon from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services in Zunheboto, as the resource person.

Kiho encouraged participants to adopt the IFS model, which integrates various compatible enterprises such as pisciculture, livestock, horticulture, crops, and mushroom cultivation. This approach aims to achieve economic and sustainable agricultural production by efficiently utilising available resources.

He also emphasised the importance of healthcare management on poultry and pig farms.

During the programme, seeds such as maize variety HQPM 5, groundnuts, and deworming medicines were distributed to the farmers. It was attended by a total of 15 participants.

Kisan Mela at Chuchuyimlang town

The ATMA Chuchuyimlang Block and Changtonya Block jointly organised a block-level Kisan Mela at Chuchuyimlang town on May 15. The event was chaired by Temsutola, BTM of Changtongya Block.

According to a press release, Kmr. Abenla B Jamir, ATM of Chuchuyimlang Block, delivered a welcome speech on the occasion, wherein she explained the main objectives of the Kisan Mela.

It was followed by a technical session on farmers’ competence and training needs for insects and pest management, with Recha Imchen, assistant horticulture officer, Department of Horticulture, Mokokchung, as the resource person.

He emphasised various methods for farmers to effectively manage insects and pests in their farming systems. Additionally, he specifically advised farmers to refrain from spraying organic fertilisers and nutrients within 15 days prior to harvesting.

The session also covered several topics related to nutrient management and the proper utilisation of NPK fertilisers.

Afterwards, the mela proceeded with visits, during which representatives from I Do Farm Enterprise, Mokokchung, and Green Heap Enterprise, Mokokchung, showcased various new tools and machinery to the farmers.

The farmers were also instructed on how to operate the tools and machinery in their daily farm activities. A total of 30 farmers participated in the Kisan Mela.