Nagaland: Farmers Receive Free Potato Seeds and Mechanization Equipment

Farmers in Tseminyu and Kohima districts of Nagaland, India, received a boost to their potato cultivation and mechanization efforts with the distribution of high-quality potato tuber seed, paddy threshers, power-operated winnowers, and wheel hand-hoes on November 10 and 11, 2023.

The distribution was part of a training-cum-distribution program organized by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Kohima, and sponsored by ICAR-IARI, New Delhi. The program was a part of the North-eastern Hill (NEH) program.

Dr. Shisarenla Aier, the subject matter specialist (SMS) in Horticulture and nodal officer of the NEH Programme at KVK, Kohima, presided over the program. She highlighted the pivotal role of potatoes as a major crop and staple food source, emphasizing their increasing importance in ensuring food security for the burgeoning population.

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During the event, Dr. Martina Shitri, the assistant chief technical officer in Plant Breeding and Genetics at KVK, Kohima, played a crucial role in imparting knowledge to beneficiaries. She conducted training sessions on various facets of potato cultivation, encompassing seed treatment, sowing techniques, critical stages of crop development, harvesting procedures, and seed preservation practices for subsequent seasons.

Dr. Shisarenla Aier expounded on the transformative impact of introducing improved potato varieties, elucidating how this initiative could lead to higher yields and a substantial reduction in the risk of crop failure. Such advancements, she highlighted, held the potential to significantly boost the local economy and elevate the standard of living for villagers.

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Farmers in targeted villages received a significant boost with the distribution of 8,000 kg of premium-quality potato tuber seeds, specifically the Kufri Jyoti variety. Complementing this substantial seed distribution, ten paddy threshers, five power-operated winnowers, and fifteen wheel hand-hoes were also provided to enhance agricultural mechanization. These valuable resources were allocated to farmers through the collaborative efforts of farmer-producer organizations (FPOs), farmers' clubs, women's clubs, and self-help groups in various targeted villages. This initiative also aimed to empower local communities.

As part of the initiative, practical demonstrations were integrated into the program, showcasing the operation of manually operated paddy threshers, power-operated winnowers, and wheel hand-hoes. The primary objective of these hands-on sessions was to empower the specific groups targeted by the program. Moreover, the intention was to encourage the creation of low-cost custom hiring centers. 

The approach of combining education, resource distribution, and practical training reflects a commendable effort towards sustainable agricultural practices in the region.

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