ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra conducted a six-day skill development training programme on ‘Natural Farming’ for 50 farmers from five villages in West Garo Hills district.
The programme which began on September 2 to September 7 was part of the 100 days action plan with an objective to educate farmers of the district on the multiple benefits of natural farming like reduction in the cost of production by minimising reliance on artificial fertilisers and industrial pesticides.
Lectures and hands-on practical were included in the training programme attended by various experts of KVK, Dr. Tarun Kumar Das, Dr. Sagarika Borah, Priyanka Saha, and Ramawatar Yadav
The topics covered were organic versus natural farming; soil conservation; livestock integration in natural farming, nutrient management, soil health management, participatory guarantee system, potential components for integrated farming system under natural farming, biological pest management, importance of mulching in natural farming; AESA based IPM etc.
Hands-on practical covered preparation on Bijamrutha, Jeevamrutha, Neem astra, Agni astra as well as FYM enrichment technique with bioagents (Trichoderma, Bacillus, Pseudomonas etc) were conducted by CTO (PP) Dr.J.Mahanta.
An exposure visit to the Biofertilizer Production Laboratory at College of Community Science, Tura under CAU was also arranged for the participants.
The farmers were also supported with pheromone traps, Neem saplings and yellow sticky trap during the training to encourage eco friendly management tactics of insect pests of crops.
