The Farmers’ Cell, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, conducted an On-Farm Demonstration of Rabi Crops and Farmers-Scientist Interaction on September 17 at Sirhi Angami Village, Medziphema Block under Chümoukedima District. The programme was organised at the onset of the Rabi season, when farmers were preparing their fields and beginning the sowing of Rabi crops.
Through hands on field demonstrations, the programme aimed to help farmers adopt appropriate scientific practices at different stages of cultivation for better crop establishment, productivity and returns, thereby supporting them in making their hard work more productive.
During the technical session, Dr Kavi Sumi, Scientist, AICRP on Kharif Pulses, demonstrated seed bio priming and seed treatment using Trichoderma. Farmers were practically shown the procedure and briefed on the role of Trichoderma, a beneficial fungus used for managing seed and soil-borne diseases and supporting healthy crop establishment.
Dr Sabbithi Pavan, Assistant Professor and Farmers’ Cell Member, conducted a session on beneficial insects. Through photographs and video demonstrations, farmers were introduced to important natural enemies of crop pests and made aware of the importance of identifying beneficial insects before applying pest control measures.
The session on vegetable production was conducted by Dr Ashwini Ananda, Scientist, AICRP on Vegetable Crops, who highlighted the importance of vegetables for household nutrition and livelihood. Referring to the ICMR National Institute of Nutrition dietary guidelines, he emphasised the importance of adequate vegetable consumption and encouraged farmers to establish kitchen gardens for access to fresh produce and reduced household expenditure.
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He also highlighted the potential of vegetable cultivation as an income-generating activity to meet local market demand.
A practical demonstration on nursery bed preparation and scientific vegetable seed sowing was also conducted, wherein farmers were shown the preparation of raised nursery beds, appropriate bed width, sowing lines and spacing.
The programme was attended by 30 farmers and received a good response. Farmers raised queries related to the management of insect pests and crop diseases, which were discussed and addressed by the scientists. The farmers expressed satisfaction with the practical nature of the programme and shared that it was the first on-farm demonstration of this kind conducted in their village.
The programme was chaired by Dr Sentimenla Jamir, Assistant Professor and Farmers’ Cell Member, who also delivered the welcome address, while Dr Mary N Odyuo, Associate Professor and Farmers’ Cell In-charge, outlined the purpose of the visit and the programme.
