ICAR officials along with the trainees during the farmer training programme on quality seed production of rice at Chumoukedima village on May 29.
Chümoukedima, May 29 (MExN): In a significant step towards strengthening sustainable agriculture and enhancing farmers’ income in Nagaland, the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema, organised a farmer training programme on quality seed production of rice at Chumoukedima village on May 29.
During the programme, Dr H Kalita, Head of Regional Centre, ICAR Nagaland Centre, highlighted the importance of quality seed production in improving food security and farmers’ livelihoods in the state.
He emphasised that quality seeds are essential for achieving higher productivity, better crop performance and sustainable agricultural development, while encouraging farmers to adopt scientific seed production practices.
The technical session was conducted by Dr Harendra Verma, Scientist, ICAR Nagaland Centre, who elaborated on modern rice seed production technologies and the importance of certified seeds in achieving better yield and profitability.
Highlighting recent advancements, Verma informed farmers about seven newly released rice breeding lines developed for Nagaland conditions, which have the potential to deliver nearly double productivity compared to traditional local varieties under improved management practices.
He explained that these improved lines would not only enhance food production and grain quality but also help farmers increase income and reduce cultivation risks.
Verma further trained farmers on important aspects of quality seed production, including varietal selection, isolation distance, rouging, seed treatment, nutrient management, pest and disease management, harvesting and proper storage techniques.
Adding a farmer-friendly approach to the programme, Dr Moatoshi Jamir, PBG, ICAR Nagaland Centre, interacted with the participants in the local dialect to help farmers better understand the scientific recommendations.
He addressed several field-level challenges faced by the farmers and assisted them in understanding improved practices and technologies more effectively.
A total of 46 farmers attended the programme and actively participated in the interactive sessions. The training concluded with lively discussions, reflecting the growing interest of farmers in adopting improved rice seed production technologies for higher productivity and sustainable livelihoods.
Rice seeds of improved varieties were also distributed to the participating farmers to encourage scientific cultivation practices and wider adoption of quality seed production technologies in the region.
