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A one-day extension program cum input distribution and field visit was held at Mezoma and Peducha villages, Kohima, on January 12.
The event was organized by the Department of Botany, Kohima Science College, Jotsoma (KSCJ), in collaboration with the All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on kharif pulses, School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Medziphema, Nagaland University. It was sponsored by ICAR–Indian Institute of Pulses Research (IIPR), Kanpur, under the Promotion of Pulses in Northeast Region (Nagaland).
The event was graced by ICAR–IIPR, principal scientist and nodal officer (Northeast component), Dr. Dharmendra Prasad Patel as the special guest. Dr. Lowrence Kithan (Agronomy), Dr. Akumla Longchar (plant breeding), Kavi Sumi (plant pathology) and Dr. Rokozeno (entomology), Scientists under AICRP on kharif pulses, SAS, and Dr. Moaakum and research scholars from Dept. of Botany, KSCJ participated in the discussion and interaction with farmers.
Lhouvikhotuo Vikhrie, Mezoma village, gave an update on the types of farming activities in Mezoma village. Dr. Rokozeno highlighted that kharif pulses were important source of protein for human diet and pulses were essential for improving soil health. She encouraged the farmers to give equal importance to kharif pulses along with the existing cereals to achieve self-sufficiency even in pulses production.
Dr. DP Patel highlighted on the importance of pulses production in India and encouraged the farmers to grow more pulses for nutritional requirement, economic sustenance and soil health. He emphasized the essentials of collaborative work among farmers, scientists and educational institutions to increase pulses production in Nagaland.
During the interactive session, farmers voiced concerns over pest infestations and yield challenges in their fields. The SAS expert team responded with insights into possible causes and provided measures to address these issues. Dr. Lowrence Kithan discussed the benefits of pigeon pea production in Nagaland, while, KSCJ, Research Scholar, Diezelhounuo Kiso, explained management of chickpea pod borer.
Earlier, Dr. D.P. Patel met with KSCJ, principal, Dr. Temjenwabang, and vice-principal, Kevilhuninuo Nagi, to discuss prospects for future collaboration. He also visited experimental plots and farmers’ fields at Peducha village, where chickpea and lentil trials were being conducted.
The session was chaired by KSCJ, department of Botany Dr. Samadangla Ao, who also pronounced the vote of thanks, invocation by Mezoma Women Self-help Group, member, Rokomeno Sirie, welcome address by KSCJ, head department of Botany, Dr. Wenyitso Kapfo
The program was attended by 25 farmers, who received inputs including biopesticides, gumboots, daos, and hand gloves.
