Forty farmers from Pughoboto and Mishilimi, along with village leaders from Mishilimi, Lazami, Natsumi and Pughoboto, participated in an on-farm demonstration and farmer-scientist interaction programme organised at the Model Demonstration Farm, Pughoboto Sub-Division, on Friday.
The programme was conducted by the Farmers’ Cell in collaboration with the All India Coordinated Research Projects (AICRPs), School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, as part of an ongoing collaboration between the Sub-Divisional Planning and Development Board (SDPDB), Pughoboto, and SAS.
The collaboration was initiated following an interaction between the SDPDB and SAS in March 2026, with the Model Demonstration Farm identified as an important area of joint activity.
The programme was chaired by Akumlong Amer, EAC, Pughoboto Sub-Division. Addressing the gathering, Yithachu Thur, SDO (Civil), Pughoboto, encouraged farmers to make use of the technical knowledge and practical experience shared by the agricultural experts. He also highlighted the development of the Model Demonstration Farm through the joint initiative of the SDPDB and SAS.
Dr Mary N Odyuo, Associate Professor and Farmers’ Cell In-Charge, introduced the team of experts and outlined the activities planned for the programme. She encouraged farmers to view agriculture as a combination of science, art and business and stressed the importance of continuously updating knowledge and adopting scientific practices suited to local farming conditions.
The scientists introduced farmers to several crops and technologies, including linseed, soybean, pulses, sesame and vegetables, besides providing practical guidance on pest and disease management.
Dr Virosanuo Solo, Scientist, AICRP Linseed, introduced linseed cultivation and shared results from successful Front Line Demonstrations conducted in Niuland and Longleng districts and at the SAS farm. As linseed was a newly introduced crop in the area, the session generated considerable interest among farmers, with several expressing willingness to take up its cultivation. Its potential use for decorative purposes in the floriculture sector was also highlighted.
Dr Pezangulie Chakruno, Scientist, AICRP Soybean, discussed soybean production and crop management practices, including improved varieties. She also highlighted ongoing research involving the evaluation of more than 400 soybean germplasm lines at SAS, Medziphema, and the transfer of technologies to farmers in different districts of Nagaland. Farmers were also introduced to value-added soybean products such as soy milk, tofu or soy paneer, soy chunks and soy powder.
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Dr Rokozeno, Scientist, AICRP Kharif Pulses, presented research findings from Zunheboto, Niuland and other locations in Nagaland. He explained the role of pulses in improving soil fertility and their nutritional importance as a source of protein. Pigeon pea, or arhar, was also introduced as a potentially suitable crop for the area, generating interest among farmers who had not previously cultivated it on a significant scale.
Dr Debika Nongmaithem, Assistant Professor, Department of Agronomy, highlighted the importance of sesame and conducted a practical demonstration of seed treatment using biofertiliser. She demonstrated the process of mixing biofertiliser with seeds and explained the use of jaggery solution in seed treatment. Farmers actively participated in the demonstration and expressed interest in trying sesame cultivation.
Dr Ashwini Ananda, Scientist, AICRP Vegetable Science, spoke on the importance of vegetables in the human diet and their potential to improve household livelihoods. A practical demonstration on nursery bed preparation, including appropriate spacing and other recommended practices, was subsequently conducted at the Model Demonstration Farm.
Dr Sabbithi Pavan, Assistant Professor, Department of Entomology, stressed the importance of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), timely identification of beneficial and harmful insects and the use of suitable, disease-resistant and location-specific seed varieties for healthy crop growth and improved yields. Dr Lizabeni Kithan, Guest Faculty, Department of Agronomy, also participated in the interaction.
The farmer-scientist interaction saw active participation, with farmers raising questions on crop production, pest and disease management and other field-level challenges. During the field demonstration, the experts examined standing crops and discussed visible pest, disease and nutrient-related symptoms, while guiding farmers on how to distinguish nutrient deficiencies from pest and disease damage.
A major feature of the programme was its emphasis on method and result demonstrations, enabling farmers to observe agricultural practices directly in the field and relate technical knowledge to their own farming conditions. The AICRP scientists and Farmers’ Cell members provided hands-on demonstrations as part of the field-based learning exercise.
The introduction of crops such as linseed, sesame and pigeon pea, along with improved farming practices, generated considerable enthusiasm among participants and encouraged them to explore new agricultural opportunities.
The programme marked another step in strengthening the collaboration between the SDPDB, Pughoboto, and the School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, with a focus on practical agricultural learning, technology dissemination and improved livelihood opportunities for farmers.
