Dimapur: Agricultural Technology Management Agency Dimapur Niuland Block organised demonstration programme at Zuheshe Village on April 4.
Resource person James Kikon, SMS (Soil Science), KVK, Jharnapani spoke on the topics ‘Zero Energy Cool Chamber’ and ‘Cultivation Practices of Rice Bean (Naga Dali).’ He said that based on the principle of direct evaporative cooling zero energy cool chambers have been developed. It does not require any electricity or power to operate and materials required like bricks, sand, bamboo etc. are available easily and cheaply. It is a double brick-wall structure, the cavity is filled with sand and walls of the chamber are soaked in water. Cool chambers can reduce temperature by 10-15°C and maintain high humidity of about 95% that can increase shelf life and retain quality of horticultural produce. Small and marginal farmers can store a few days' harvest to avoid middlemen.
He emphasized that Ricebean is one of the summer legumes grown under diverse conditions ranging from marginal lands to rain-fed tars and drought prone areas in the hills. It is noted to be very rich in protein, minerals and vitamins, and has significance as nutritious fodder, green manure, and a crop for soil conservation. For proper intercropping, a farmer dibble seeds in between maize plants and it also has the ability to utilise atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic nitrogen fixation and thus, plays a key role in maintaining soil fertility. Rice bean is normally ready to harvest in 120-150 days after sowing.
At Hozukhe village on April 1, resource person Asenla from Renlok SHG, a prominent SHG from Naga United Village demonstrated on the topics ‘Aloe vera soap making’ and ‘Detergent powder making.’ She encouraged women folks to take up such activities to generate income as well as for personal usages. She also told the SHGs to be hardworking, innovative and be specific in time management. Later, she performed step by steps procedures and elaborated on the different types of ingredients and chemicals to be used for making Aloe vera soap and Detergent powder.
Later, Dr. Marlin, VAS & BTT Convenor from the Veterinary Department demonstrated and conducted free vaccination and treatment of animal diseases. She explained on the importance of vaccination as a necessary measure for disease prevention and mentioned commonly occurring animal diseases and its treatment and management.
Moakumzuk, SMS, Niuland Block chaired the programme and around 50 people including SHGs and farmers attended the programme separately in both the villages which concluded with a vote of thanks by Demalu Hasnusa, BTM, Niuland Block.
