The School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University (SAS, NU) through the Farmers’ Cell, conducted a need-based ‘On-Farm Demonstration on Winter Vegetable Crops Cultivation’, for its adopted villages viz., Sirhi-Angami and Hekeshe villages on 4th November 2024. The objective of the program was to empower the local farmers with practical knowledge on winter vegetable crop management and crop protection, Peter Ki, PRO, NU, informed in a press release.

The resource persons were Dr. Ashwini Ananda, Scientist AICRP-vegetable crops and Dr. Sabbithi Pavan, Asst. Professor, Dept of Entomology.

While Dr. Ananda deliberated on Winter Vegetable Crops Cultivation along with hands-on guidance for winter vegetable planting and management techniques, and enhancing the farmers’ understanding of best practices for crop productivity, Dr. Pavan dwelled on Crop Protection, focusing on methods to safeguard crops from insects/pests through Integrated Pest Management.

The program commenced with an inaugural session chaired by Dr. Lanunola Tzudir, Assistant Professor; invocation from the Pastor, Hekeshe Village Baptist Church; brief remarks about the programme from Dr. Mary N. Odyuo, Associate Professor and in-charge of the Farmers Cell; short speeches by the Village Council Chairman of Hekeshe and Sirhi-Angami villages emphasizing the importance of sustainable agricultural practices for local farmers. Dr. Sabbithi Pavan, Assistant Professor, concluded the inaugural session with a vote of thanks.

The event concluded with feedback from participants and closing remarks from Farmers Cell i/c, marking a successful day of knowledge sharing and community engagement. This program is part of SAS, NU’s ongoing efforts to support rural development through targeted agricultural interventions, fostering self-reliance and sustainable practices in local farming communities.