The ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Phek (ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun, Nagaland), under the ICAR ATARI Zone VII, Umiam, successfully organized a Farmers Fair-cum-Exhibition-2025 on March 19, 2025 at Porba village ground. The event aimed to bring together farmers, scientists, and agricultural experts to discuss and promote innovative farming techniques, natural farming, and market linkages for enhanced agricultural productivity.
The programme commenced with the inauguration of exhibition by the Chief Guest, John Tsulise Sangtam, Deputy Commissioner, Phek, Nagaland, along with other esteemed delegates. The exhibition showcased various technological advancements, farming techniques by the line departments, and market-ready agricultural products aimed at uplifting the farming community in the district.
Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Singh, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK, Phek, welcomed the gathering and felicitated the dignitaries. In his address, he provided a brief overview of the various activities and achievements of KVK, Phek, highlighting its role in improving the livelihood of farmers in the region.
Dr. A. S. Panwar, Former Director, ICAR-IIFSR, Modipuram, UP, appreciated KVK’s efforts in empowering the farming community. He emphasized the need for implementing natural farming at the village level and underscored the crucial role of honey bees in enhancing crop yields. Professor A. C. Varshney, Former Vice-Chancellor, DUVASU, Mathura, UP, shared his experience on integrated farming systems. He suggested that farmers plant trees along their field boundaries as a means to generate additional revenue while contributing to environmental sustainability.
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Dr. Girish Patil, Director, ICAR-NRC on Mithun, Nagaland, highlighted the achievements of KVK, particularly in promoting certification for natural farming in the Phek district. He emphasized that certification would enhance the market value of agricultural products, allowing farmers to reap higher economic benefits.
Dr. Pritipal Kaur, Superintendent of Police, Phek, Nagaland, actively engaged with the farmers, encouraging them to adopt advanced agricultural technologies and work towards strengthening market linkages to increase demand and profitability.
Chief Guest John Tsulise Sangtam, Deputy Commissioner, Phek, applauded KVK’s commendable efforts and the contributions of farmers in the district. He encouraged farmers to be innovative and work collectively to achieve success. Additionally, he urged various line departments to work in convergence mode to ensure the holistic development of the farming community in the district.
The event also provided a platform for farmers to share their experiences and acknowledge the benefits of KVK initiatives in the district. In a moment of recognition for local farming practices, dignitaries released publications, a documentary video on the Zabo farming system, and vegetable seed kits developed by KVK. More than 200 farmers from different parts of the district attended the programme, benefiting from direct interactions with agricultural experts and policymakers. As a token of encouragement, seed kits were distributed to all participating farmers. The successful coordination of the event was led by Dr. Hannah K. Asangla, Chief Technical Officer, Agronomy, KVK, Phek, and Dr. T. Esther Longkumer, Chief Technical Officer, Soil Science, KVK, Phek, who also delivered the vote of thanks.
The Farmers Fair-cum-Exhibition proved to be a significant step towards strengthening the agricultural landscape in Phek, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainable farming practices. Farmers left the event with renewed enthusiasm and valuable insights that will contribute to the growth and development of agriculture in the region.
