On-Farm Demonstration and Farmers-Scientist Interaction organised by School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Nagaland University and SDPDB Pughoboto was held on October 2 at Pughoboto subdivision, Zunheboto.
The programme, organised through the Farmers’ Cell in collaboration with the All India Co-ordinated Research Projects (AICRPs) of the School of Agricultural Sciences, aimed at strengthening direct interaction between farmers and agricultural scientists and providing practical, field-based solutions to challenges faced by the farming community.
The delegation included five AICRP scientists viz. Dr Lowrence Kithan, Dr Rokozeno, Dr Avinash Ananda, Dr Pezangulie & Dr Virosanuo Solo and four university faculty viz. Dr Mary N Odyuo, Dr Sabbithi Pavan, Dr Debika Nongmaithem & Dr Lizabeni Kithan.
SDO (Civil) Pughoboto, Yithachu Thur, outlined the rationale and vision of the SDPDB Model Demonstration Farm project, aimed at transforming agriculture in the sub-division from subsistence farming to commercial-scale production through modern and scientific farming practices. He said the SDPDB has partnered with the SAS to provide farmers with technical knowledge and introduce experimental projects suited to local conditions. The long-term vision is to establish an agriculture sub-station at Pughoboto for research and experimentation in hill farming, particularly suited to Nagaland’s hilly terrain. He also urged the SHGs partnering in the project to develop a strong sense of ownership and actively contribute to its success.
Dr Mary N Odyou, Associate Professor & Farmers’ Cell In-charge SAS, introduced the participating scientists and encouraged farmers to openly share their farming-related challenges with the experts and make full use of the programme. The interaction with farmers for preliminary understanding of the existing cropping systems and farming practices in the area was held primarily focusing on crop failures, production constraints, soil and water-related issues, pests and diseases, climatic conditions, availability of agricultural inputs, labour and marketing challenges.
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Scientists from AICRP delivered technical presentations on relevant crops, technologies and possible interventions for the Model Demonstration Farm. Presentations covered linseed, soybean, kharif pulses, sesame and vegetable science, followed by a question-and-answer session with the participating farmers.
A Farmers–Scientists Interaction session was subsequently held, providing farmers an opportunity to share their experiences and problems directly with subject experts. The scientists offered technical advice and discussed suitable solutions and improved agricultural practices.
The programme also included hands-on method and result demonstrations at the Model Demonstration Farm, where scientists and Farmers’ Cell members demonstrated field-based technologies and practices. This included nursery bed preparation, ground preparation, seed treatment, disease identification and management of disease infected crops. This was followed by distribution of available agricultural inputs like gardening tools, gloves, hats, Winnowing plates, Sprayers, Spades, and Linseed along with technical guidance on their appropriate use.
The initiative concluded with a feedback session highlighting the importance of stronger farmer–scientist linkages and practical demonstrations in promoting improved, locally relevant and sustainable agricultural practices in Pughoboto Sub-Division. The program was chaired by Akumlong Amer, EAC and Member Secretary SDPDB Pughoboto and was well attended by farmers, including village councils’ members from Mishililimi, Pughoboto, Natsumi and Lazami, SHGs and SDPDB Officials.
