Dimapur, February 7 (MExN): Three days training on “Avenues for Entrepreneurship Development in Agri-Horti Ecosystem for Farmers and Rural Youth” under Tribal Sub Plan was held from February 3-5, 2016 at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Jharnapani. All together, 25 farmers and rural youth from Longleng, Wokha, Kohima and Dimapur districts attended the training.
During the inaugural function, Dr. Siddaramappa, Divisional Forest Officer, Kohima highlighted the potential of employment in Nagaland. Addressing as chief guest, he encouraged the farmers and rural youth to become entrepreneurs by exploiting the opportunities in their fields instead of migrating to different place. Dr. Bidyut C. Deka, Joint Director, ICAR, Jharnapani conveyed the welcome address, followed by release of the training manual by the chief guest. Dr. Rajesha G. (Scientist) highlighted the overview of the training programme. In his chairman’s remark, Dr. B.C. Deka also mentioned about the ARYA programme (Attracting and Retaining Youth in Agriculture). The three-day training consisted of technical sessions by different resource persons - Sanjoy Das, Asst. Professor (Economics), SASRD; Sani Pongen, State Co-ordinator, IIE Dimapur; Dr. Anamika Sharma, Project Coordinator; H.D. Singh; CTO; V. Kenny Rhetso, CTO; James Kikon, Subject Matter Specialist (SMS) from KVK, Dimapur; Dr. Manoj Kumar, SMS; E. Lireni Kikon, SMS from KVK Longleng; Dr. Imtionen, Biocontrol lab. Medziphema; Dr. Rajesha G, Scientist from ICAR Nagaland Centre; Abea Mero, MD Naga Herbal & Spice Unit Dimapur; Vevotalu Rhakho, Field Officer, Spices Board Dimapur; and Evan T Munsong, Manager, NABARD, Dimapur. The trainees acquired knowledge on scope of employment generation through value addition, protected cultivation, vermicomposting, bio-pesticide production techniques, commercial mushroom cultivation, skill development in banana fiber extraction, utilization, mushroom processing, production and marketing of spice, and financial assistance available for farmers for entrepreneurship development. On the last day of the training, Dr. Rajesha G and Dr. HD Talang motivated the participants to start agro based business in coming days.
