Key Highlight

• KVK Zunheboto shared 5,000 kg of potato seeds with local farmers.
• Thirteen pedal-operated paddy threshers were also given out.
• A five-day residential training on natural farming is underway.
• The programme aims to raise yields and cut input costs.

Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Zunheboto has given potato seeds and farm tools to farmers while running a residential training programme on natural farming. The activity is part of ongoing efforts to support small farmers and improve crop output in the district.

Seeds and tools shared with farmers

KVK Zunheboto, working with the ICAR–Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, distributed 5,000 kg of the Kufri Jyoti potato seed variety. The seeds were shared under the North Eastern Hill (NEH) Programme and are meant to help farmers raise potato output in the region.

Along with seeds, KVK also handed out 13 pedal-operated paddy threshers. These tools are expected to make harvesting easier for small farmers and reduce the need for heavy manual work. The support is aimed at helping farmers manage their crops with less effort and lower costs.

Training on natural farming underway

At the same time, KVK Zunheboto is holding a five-day residential training programme under the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF). The programme began on December 10 and includes Community Resource Persons and Krishi Sakhis from different areas.

The training focuses on farming methods that avoid chemical inputs. Sessions include both classroom talks and hands-on field work to help participants understand how these methods can be used on their own farms.

Also read: Aeroponics vs Traditional Potato Farming: Costs, Yields & Benefits

Topics covered during sessions

Scientists from KVK Zunheboto led sessions on several topics. These included the value of natural farming, seed production methods, crop choices suited to the district and ways to improve food quality for farm families. The role of Farmer-Producer Organizations was also discussed to help farmers work together and improve market access.

Practical sessions showed how to prepare bio-formulations, carry out mulching and set up vermicomposting units. These activities were designed to give participants clear steps they can follow after returning to their villages.

Support for field adoption

Dr Rakesh Kumar Chaurasia, Principal Scientist and Head of KVK Zunheboto, spoke about the role of cattle rearing in natural farming systems. He said livestock plays an important part in supporting soil health and farm inputs.

To help farmers apply what they learned, KVK shared bilingual technical folders along with seeds. These materials are meant to guide farmers during actual field work.

Through seed distribution, farm tools and hands-on training, KVK Zunheboto aims to support farmers in improving output while using simple and low-cost farming methods. The programme is expected to help farmers apply these practices in the coming seasons.

Source: Morung Eexpress
Image credit: Morung Express