KVK Zunheboto, under Nagaland University, is a front-line extension agency dedicated to disseminating cutting-edge agricultural technologies for rural development, sustainable farming, and farmer empowerment in Nagaland. In a significant step towards sustainable agriculture, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Zunheboto, under Nagaland University, conducted a two-day Natural Farming Programme at Sukhai village in Satakha Block, Zunheboto district. The event, aligned with the National Mission on Natural Farming, trained 63 farmers on chemical-free practices to boost soil health, crop yields, and farm incomes On February 24.

The programme focused on hands-on training for preparing and applying key natural inputs: Beejamrit (Beejatra) for seed treatment to combat seed- and soil-borne diseases while enhancing germination; Jeevamrit, a microbial culture to enrich soil fertility and nutrient availability; and Neemastra, a potent bio-pesticide against sucking and chewing pests.

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Dr Rakesh Kumar Chaurasia, Principal Scientist and Head of KVK Zunheboto, led the technical session with a lecture on Natural farming and its advantages, and had interactions with the participants about different problems faced in the field and their possible solutions. Participants received informative literature in the local dialect, along with essential supplies like big buckets and raw materials for on-site preparation. To kickstart adoption, vegetable seeds, neem saplings, and yellow sticky traps were distributed for initial trials.

Local Community Resource Persons (CRPs) MS Kavitoli K Sumi and Ms Kimyetoli H Sumi actively joined the sessions, demonstrating preparation techniques for various products and pledging to spread these practices across the community. The strong turnout underscores growing enthusiasm for natural farming in Zunheboto district, promising resilient livelihoods amid climate challenges.