farmers training
Photo: Northeast Now

Ahthibung block under Atma Peren of Nagaland conducted training on ‘SRI management practices for irrigated conditions’ and demonstration on ‘oyster mushroom cultivation’ at Phaijol Village recently.

The resource persons were Lireni, ATM and Lhaihoichong, BTM of Ahthibung block.

According to a press release from ATMA Ahthibung block, Lireni trained the farmers on the importance of System of Rice Intensification (SRI) for sustainable livelihood stating that it is a production system based on four main interacting principles that includes, use of younger seedling (15 days) at two leaf stage, reduced plant density- single planting per hill at wider space, enrichment of soil with organic manure and adoption of intermittent irrigation.

SRI technique not only ensures higher yield but also lowers the production cost due to reduction in the inputs such as seed, water, chemical fertilizers and in some cases labours and thereby, increasing the farmer’s income and profitability of rice farming.

This was followed by a demonstration on oyster mushroom cultivation by Lhaihoichong, BTM who encouraged the farmers to make use of the paddy straws in the field for mushroom cultivation instead of just burning or wasting away as it helps in generating income and also points out that it is good for health as it is rich in vitamins, proteins and minerals.