The 10-day Exposure-cum-Hands-on training programme for farmers of Wokha district, organised by the District Administration Wokha in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, Department of Agriculture, Central Institute of Horticulture (CIH), Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission (NSRLM), and ICAR-KVK Wokha, concluded on August 28 at the ICAR–Central Tuber Crops Research Institute (CTCRI), Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
The programme, which began on August 19, was conducted under Mission Shakti (Beti Bachao Beti Padhao) with the objective of equipping farmers with improved scientific practices, entrepreneurship skills, and value addition techniques to strengthen farming and rural livelihoods in Wokha district.
A total of 19 farmers, including 13 women, participated in the programme. As part of the exposure, the team visited two premier agricultural institutes – the ICAR–National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB), Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, and the ICAR–CTCRI, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
At these institutes, the participants were given training on advanced cultivation practices, post-harvest management, processing technologies, and practical demonstrations. Special sessions included techniques in banana cultivation, production and value addition in tuber crops, and food processing methods designed for entrepreneurship development.
During the valedictory programme, the participants were awarded certificates in Improved Production and Value Addition Technologies in Tuber Crops from CTCRI and Hi-Tech Banana Cultivation from NRCB. They also completed verified training in the preparation of low-fat fortified and flavoured chips, which many expressed confidence would encourage small-scale start-ups and provide opportunities to sustain the local economy upon their return.
Farmers noted that the training was not only informative but also practical, giving them new ideas for improving production and processing of crops that could be applied directly in their villages.
Highlighting the importance of continuous collaboration, Director of ICAR-CTCRI, Dr G Byju, assured the participants that all necessary technical support required by Nagaland would be extended. He further informed that CTCRI would provide more food processing trainings in the future and expressed hope that Wokha district would eventually emerge as the hub of tuber crops in Nagaland.
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“The institute will continue to guide and assist farmers in their endeavours,” Dr Byju stated, while encouraging participants to share their knowledge with peers and explore entrepreneurial ventures in the agriculture sector.
The participants conveyed heartfelt gratitude to the Deputy Commissioner of Wokha, the District Horticulture Officer (DHO), the District Agriculture Officer (DAO), ICAR-KVK and their respective staff for their constant guidance and support throughout the programme.
A special note of thanks was also extended to the Central Institute of Horticulture (CIH), the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative, and KVK for their contribution to the success of the training. The farmers also acknowledged Anuranjan, Skill Development Officer, for his dedicated coordination, which ensured a smooth and successful exposure trip.
Officials from the collaborating departments commended the active involvement and enthusiasm of all 19 participants. They observed that exposure programmes such as this not only provide scientific and technical knowledge but also broaden perspectives, helping farmers adopt modern agricultural methods, inspire their communities, and contribute to strengthening the agricultural sector in the district.
The training concluded with a collective sense of determination, as the farmers prepared to return home equipped with knowledge, skills, and inspiration. Many expressed confidence that the learnings acquired would contribute towards improving agricultural practices, promoting value-added products, and developing small-scale enterprises in Wokha.
The participants returned to Wokha on August 29 with the resolve to share their experiences and implement new techniques in their respective fields, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and prosperous future for farming communities in the district.
