BASAR, 31 Jan: The ICAR research complex here in Leparada district organised a three-day training programme on ‘Natural farming and quality seed production’, from 29-30 January, for farmers.
The programme, held at the ICAR research farm in Gori, was aimed at enhancing the livelihood of tribal farmers in the mid-hills of Arunachal Pradesh. Fifty farmers from the Tirbin Farmers’ Association and SHGs based in Nyigam and Gori villages participated in the programme.
ICAR Basar Head (i/c) Dr Doni Jini informed the farmers about the “principles and benefits of natural farming, and the significance of quality seed production in the mid-hills of Arunachal,” according to an official release.
Scientists Dr Ampee Tasung (soil science), Dr Thejangulie Angami (fruits), Dr Raghuveer Singh (plant pathology), Dr Joken Bam (veterinary parasitology), and Dr RA Alone (agroforestry) presented briefs on “jeeveamrit, pineapple cultivation, mushroom cultivation, and identification of multipurpose trees,” the release said.
On the other hand, technical professionals such as Dr Gerik Bagra, Bhoben Pait, Dr Rajesh Khan, Mikar Nyodu and Marter Chiram offered valuable insights into “dragon fruit cultivation, jeevamrit application, post-monsoon jhum cultivation, vermicomposting, and traditional ethno-medicines,” it said.
The programme included a field demonstration on “quality seed production of field crops” by KVK ACTO Dr Rita Nongthombam and ICAR scientist Dr Ampee Tasung.
During the field visit, the farmers were provided with hands-on training in “jeevamrit preparation, nursery bed preparation, cattle feed preparation, and vermicompost preparation at the ICAR research farm to enhance their practical understanding of natural farming practices,” it said.
Hand weeders, watering cans, micronutrients, and summer vegetable seeds were later distributed to the farmers.
