Input distribution during the five-day training programme organised by KVK Phek.
Phek, March 14 (MExN): ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Phek (ICAR-National Research Centre on Mithun (NRCM), Medziphema), under ICAR ATARI Zone VII, Umiam, organised a five-day training programme on Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) conservation awareness and mushroom cultivation entrepreneurship development from March 10 to 14.
Sponsored by ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi, under the NEH sub-plan, the program focused on PGR conservation awareness, mushroom cultivation, value addition of mushroom products, and entrepreneurship development in mushroom farming for the farmers of Phek district.
A total of 150 farmers from different parts of the district participated in the programme. “This training program is expected to strengthen agricultural sustainability and entrepreneurship among farmers, fostering self-reliance in mushroom cultivation and plant genetic resource conservation in Nagaland,” KVK Phek stated in a press release.
During the programme, Dr Sanjeev Kumar Singh, Senior Scientist and Head, ICAR-KVK Phek, emphasised the importance of conserving PGRs for sustainable agriculture and promoting entrepreneurship in mushroom farming.
Dr Jameel Akhtar, Principal Scientist, ICAR-NBPGR, New Delhi, highlighted NBPGR's role in identifying, collecting, and conserving PGRs nationwide. He also delivered comprehensive lectures on mushroom cultivation, covering key aspects such as the importance and uses of mushrooms, techniques for cultivating button mushrooms, inspiring success stories from mushroom farming, and effective pest and disease management strategies.
Kelhouzakie Chielie, SDHO and Officer-in-Charge of the Horticulture Research Farm (HRF), Pfutsero, conducted a lecture on oyster mushroom cultivation, followed by a hands-on training session, enabling participants to gain practical experience in oyster mushroom farming.
Dr Sharanappa CH SMS (Plant Protection) delivered a lecture on production technology of Shiitake mushroom. Dr Venkatesh, SMS Agriculture Engineering, delivered a lecture on value addition of mushroom products. Dr T Esther Longkumer, CTO-Soil Science, elucidated the composting process for mushroom substrate. Dr Hannah K Asangla, CTO-Agronomy, presented a lecture on income-generating activities.
The training programme also featured a farmer-scientist interaction session, where participants shared innovative farming practices and discussed challenges. At the end of each session, valuable inputs were distributed under the NEH sub-plan, along with certificates for the participants. The program concluded with a valedictory function on the final day, marking the successful completion of the five-day training initiative.
