ICAR officials along with farmers during the training programme on sunflower seed production technology on March 6.
Medziphema, March 6 (MExN): The ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema, organised a farmer training programme on sunflower seed production technology on March 6 under the ICAR-Indian Institute of Oilseeds Research (IIOR) component.
The programme aimed to promote oilseed cultivation and encourage farmers to utilise rice fallow lands to enhance farm income and livelihood opportunities.
The training was conducted by Dr Harendra Verma, Scientist at the ICAR Nagaland Centre, who highlighted the importance of sunflower as a high-value oilseed crop with good market demand and adaptability to post-rice cultivation.
He emphasised that farmers should cultivate sunflower immediately after rice harvest instead of leaving fields fallow, stating that the practice could improve cropping intensity, increase land productivity and generate additional income.
Dr Verma also explained key aspects of sunflower seed production technology, including proper sowing time, crop management and the economic benefits of integrating sunflower into rice-based farming systems.
During the programme, Dr Moatoshi Jamir of the Plant Breeding and Genetics (PBG) division, ICAR Nagaland Centre, encouraged farmers to promote linseed cultivation in rice fallows. He highlighted the potential of the improved variety LSL-93 for better productivity.
He also discussed nutrient management, improved cultivation practices and value addition opportunities in linseed to enhance farmers’ income and promote diversified oilseed farming in the region.
Altogether, 30 farmers participated in the training programme and interacted with the scientists, expressing keen interest in adopting sunflower and linseed cultivation.
The programme concluded with an interactive discussion during which farmers received guidance on improving oilseed production practices for better profitability and sustainable farming.
