Nagaland University trains farmers in high-value vegetable cultivation

Medziphema, October 15 (MExN): The School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, organised a farmers’ training programme on raising high-value vegetable crops and distributed agricultural inputs to around 65 farmers at Medziphema town in Chümoukedima district on October 15.The programme was organised under the university’s North Eastern Region (NER) component of the vegetable crops initiative, with the objective of promoting sustainable agriculture and vegetable cultivation in Nagaland.A technical session and demonstration on raising vegetable seedlings for commercial purposes was conducted by Vibito Savino, proprietor of V G Savino Agro Enterprise, Medziphema, under the initiative of Dr Moakala Changkiri, scientist and project in-charge of the NEH Component of Vegetable Crops, SAS, Nagaland University.During the session, farmers learned practical techniques for raising Naga king chilli seedlings in pro-trays and bagging seedlings for commercial production. The participants also expressed interest in organic methods of protecting vegetable crops.Addressing the farmers, Dr Changkiri encouraged them to adopt improved vegetable cultivation techniques to enhance crop quality and yields and improve soil fertility. She highlighted the long-term benefits of integrated farming and urged the farmers to become agents of change in their communities.As part of the programme, the participating farmers were provided with vegetable seeds, Naga king chilli seedlings and agricultural tools to support their horticultural activities.The seeds distributed included tomato variety Kashi Adarsh; French bean varieties Kashi Sampann and Rajhans; carrot variety K Arun; winged bean variety Kashi Annapurna; garden pea variety Kashi Udai; water spinach variety Kashi Manu; and faba bean variety Kashi Sampada.The farmers were also provided with Naga king chilli seedlings and tools, including Falcon hand rakes, pro-trays and khurpis.The programme highlighted the importance of sustainable agricultural practices in improving productivity and creating additional income-generating opportunities for farmers. It also emphasised the potential of vermicomposting to reduce dependence on chemical inputs, improve soil health and enhance long-term farm profitability.The NEH Component of Vegetable Crops, Nagaland Centre, under the School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland University, reaffirmed its commitment to empowering farmers through training, technology transfer and timely support.Farmers were encouraged to participate in future programmes and utilise the university’s expertise to improve their livelihoods and develop self-reliant, resilient and profitable farming systems in Nagaland.