SIKA TODE, 19 Oct: Altogether 37 farmers and farmwomen participated in a three-day training programme on 'Smart Farming: Improving Nutrient Use Efficiency', organised at Sike Tode village in East Siang district by the soil science & agricultural chemistry section of Pasighat-based College of Horticulture and Forestry's (CHF) natural resource management (NRM) department from 15-17 October.
Addressing the gathering, Gaon Bura Tago Siram highlighted the significance of the training programme and urged the participants to "enjoy the technicalities of the programme, so that the role of nutrient use efficiency in smart farming can be executed at the ground level."
Village president Talung Jamoh presented a brief on the ground realities of the farming community in the village and underlined the importance of soil test-based nutrient application and the importance of enhancing nutrient use efficiency.
During the technical session, CHF NRM Head Dr AS Mailappa presented a brief on the significance of enhancing nutrient use efficiency under smart farming, and various strategies to achieve the same. He interacted with the farmers to identify the missing link between the scientific and farming community, related to soil and nutrient management.
The technical session continued on 16 October, during which Dr Maliappa outlined the importance of soil health, metrics of nutrient use efficiency, losses under field conditions, and 4R nutrient stewardship framework, which focuses on matching the nutrient supply with crop demand.
CHF Agronomy Assistant Professor Dinesh Kumar delivered a detailed presentation on the preparation of various bio-inputs like Jeevamrit, Ghanjeevamrit, neem-based formulations, etc. He explained the importance of natural farming, and how it deviates from organic farming, basic principles of natural farming, role of natural farming in enhancing nutrient use efficiency, microbial activity, and soil health and vitality.
After the technical session on the third day (17 October), Oyan ZPM Annu Paboh appreciated the efforts of the team of scientists and students to uplift the livelihood of the farmers.
CHF Dean Dr L Wangchu spoke on the role of soil, nutrient use efficiency, self-help groups, ways to strengthen marketing channels, and the efforts made the college for the welfare of the farmers.
Thirty-two soil health cards were distributed to 30 farmers, of whom 20 were male and 10 were female farmers. Agro inputs and tools (sickle, spade, onion seeds, knapsack sprayers, and CAU bio-enhancer) were distributed to the farmers.
