Dimapur, December 11 (MExN): The Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) on Onion, Department of Horticulture, SASRD, Nagaland University (NU) conducted farmers' training on “Rabi Onion Production Technology” at New Socüünoma village on December 4. The inaugural program was chaired by Prof Akali Sema, Principle Investigator, TSP-Onion, and the program was graced by Dr Major Singh, Director ICAR- Directorate of Onion and Garlic Research, Pune.
He encouraged the farmers by highlighting the importance and prospects of onion cultivation in Nagaland and also stated that the whole sale price of Onion in Nagaland is the highest in India and therefore this program was initiated to help the local farmers to be self sufficient and also to generate income. A brief remark was also given by Gaon Bura, New Socüünoma.
After the inaugural function, training on “Rabi Onion Production Technology” was delivered by Dr Shailendra S Gadge, Senior Scientist, Nodal officer TSP- Onion and Dr Moakala Changkiri Scientist, AICRP (VC) & Co-PI (TSP-Onion) Nagaland Centre. The training was attended by 40 farmer participants including 10 onion beneficiaries from Hekheshe, Zhuikhu, Bade and New Socüünoma, a press release from SASRD,NU informed. The training program was held with the aim to promote onion cultivation which automatically will mend the requirement of the local people as well as it would be a source of income generation as onion cultivation is not taken up by many framers.
In the discussion hour, farmers shared their problems which they are facing in cultivating onion and the subject experts provided helpful suggestions. Demonstration kits were also distributed to 10 farmer beneficiaries consisting organic inputs.
The villagers expressed their heartfelt gratitude for initiating such a program under TSP-Onion and assured full cooperation for the success of the program. The program was coordinated by Dr Aastik Jha Scientist, AICRP (VC) & Co-PI (TSP-Onion), Nagaland Centre and Yongkontula STA AICRP (VC) & Program Assistant (TSP-Onion). Vote of thanks was proposed by Dr Waluniba, Scientist, AICRP (VC) & Co-PI (TSP-Onion) Nagaland Centre, Department of Horticulture, SASRD, NU.
