Officials along with the participants during a training programme on integrated sesame and mushroom production at Mhainamtsi village in Peren district on November 10.
Peren, November 15 (MExN): The All India Coordinated Research Project (AICRP) on Sesame, School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS), Nagaland University, Medziphema Campus, organised a one-day training programme on integrated sesame and mushroom production at Mhainamtsi village in Peren district on November 10.
The programme, titled “Integrating Sesame and Mushroom Production for Sustainable Rural Livelihood”, aimed to enhance farmers’ livelihood opportunities by promoting sesame and mushroom cultivation as complementary income-generating enterprises.
Addressing the farmers, Dr Debika Nongmaithem, Assistant Professor, Department of Agronomy, SAS, Nagaland University, and Project In-charge, AICRP on Sesame, highlighted the potential of sesame cultivation as a profitable enterprise in Nagaland.
She observed that sesame cultivation in the state was largely practised using traditional methods, with limited adoption of scientific interventions. Despite its potential for income generation, farmers often faced challenges due to inadequate technical knowledge and limited financial support.
She also pointed out that a significant proportion of sesame produce was marketed in neighbouring Assam at relatively low prices, while some was retained for household consumption.
Dr Nongmaithem encouraged farmers to adopt improved scientific cultivation practices and make effective use of the technical knowledge acquired through training programmes. She stressed the importance of regular interaction with agricultural scientists and extension personnel to improve productivity, enhance profitability and contribute to self-sufficiency in oilseed production in the state.
She further encouraged farmers to diversify their livelihood activities by taking up mushroom cultivation as an additional enterprise, citing its growing market demand and income-generating potential.
To provide practical knowledge on mushroom cultivation, E Lireni Kikon, Subject Matter Specialist/Agricultural Extension Training Officer (SMS/ACTO), Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Dimapur, delivered a lecture on mushroom production technology.
She explained the various stages of mushroom production, including the essential techniques and management practices required for successful cultivation. She also highlighted the nutritional and health benefits of mushrooms and encouraged farmers to take up cultivation as a viable enterprise, given its low-cost production technology and promising economic returns.
The programme concluded with the distribution of agricultural inputs to the 21 participating farmers to encourage the adoption of improved agricultural practices and support their livelihood activities.
