DIMAPUR, Oct 23 - The Central Institute of Horticulture, Medziphema, under the initiative of the Noklak Police, organised a two-day farmers� training programme on horticulture avenues for sustainable income to empower farmers and self-help groups (SHGs) of Noklak, the youngest district of Nagaland. Altogether 54 trainees from SHGs and the Thang Range Public Organisation attended the programme that concluded on Thursday. The two-day programme focused on avenues in horticulture, high-density plantation of orchards, and hands-on training on processing and value addition of horticulture crops.
Addressing the trainees, Noklak DC Reny Wilfred highlighted the potential of agriculture and allied sector and the prospects of market avenues for farmers. He hoped that the farmers and the SHGs would start a new method of farming as a means of value addition after the training. Stating that there is plenty of cardamom, ginger and tapioca in the district, the DC said the district administration has taken up the issue of funding a processing unit and a model farm at Noklak.
In her address, Noklak SP Dr Pritpal Kaur stressed that farmers have to shift from traditional farming to scientific farming to increase production and enhance quality. Describing farmers as the backbone of the society, she advised the trainees to share their gained knowledge with friends and neighbours.
Dr Moasosang Longkumer, assistant horticulture specialist, Central Institute of Horticulture, said that horticulture is an important livelihood sustainability means. He urged the trainees to start a kitchen garden in every household and stressed the concept of high-density and meadow orchard plantation. �This is a shift in farmers� perception from production to productivity and profitability, which can be achieved through high-density planting,� Longkumer stated.
Post-harvest technologist Vinika Aomi explained in detail the hands-on training in processing and value addition of horticultural crops in guava juice preparation, jack fruit chips, green chilli pickles and ginger candy. She also spoke on mushroom cultivation, kiwi candy and mango pickles.
Onion seeds and guava saplings were distributed to the farmers during the training programme.
