To empowering Self Help Groups a two day farmers training on horticulture avenues for sustainable income was held at GHSS Noklak on 21 and 22nd October 2020.

Deputy Commissioner, Noklak Reny Wilfred expounded on the scope and potential of the Agri allied production in the region and shared on the prospect of market avenues for the farmers. He assured that the District Administration is in full support too any kind of Life Changing activities and he hopes that with this training of farmers and the Self Help Groups will start a new method of farming as a means of value addition.

He also said that there is plenty of availability of cardamom, Ginger, Tapioca etc in the region and to this, funding is necessary to start Agri Processing Unit and model Agri farm at Noklak and initiative in this regard has been ongoing, he added.

Superintendent of Police, Noklak Dr. Pritpal Kaur in her speech stated that the farmers have to shift from the traditional style of farming into a Scientific method in order to increase the production and also to enhance the quality. Encouraging the Self Help Group, Dr. Pritpal Kaur said, Farmers are the best person in the world and the backbone of the society. She advised the trainees to learn properly and shared to friends and neighbours of whatever they have learned during the training.

AHS, Central Institute of Horticulture Dr. Moasosang Longkumer spoke on awareness on Horticulture Avenues. Horticulture is one of the important aspects of sustainability for livelihood. He encourages the trainees to start Kitchen Garden by every household so that it will add nutritional security to the farmers.

Dr. Moasosang Longkumer stressed on the concept of high density and meadow orchard in Guava. This is a shift in Farmer’s perception from production to productivity and profitability which can be achieved through high density planting. Higher and quality production is achieved from densely planted orchards. He also shares the concept of Floriculture and Agriculture.

Post harvest technologist, Vinika Aomi explained in detail with hands on training on processing and value addition of Horticulture Crops on Guava Juice preparation, Jack Fruit Chips, Green Chilies Pickles and Ginger Candy. She also imparted knowledge on Mushroom Cultivation, Kiwi Candy and Mango Pickles. STA, Central Institute of Horticulture, Mhasi demonstrates on Nursery Raising of Onion Farming.

The two days program was organized by Central Institute of Horticulture, Department of Agriculture, Cooperation & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, Medziphema under the initiative of Police Department led by Superintendent of Police Noklak, Dr. Pritpal Kuar.

Altogether 54 trainees attended the program from the representatives of Self Help Groups and Thang Range Public Organization. Vote of thanks was delivered by, President Khiamniungan Menyiu Hoikam, Newkai. Onion Seeds and Guava saplings were also distributed to the farmers during the training.