07/11/2024, Chandel:

Field day on rice var. RC-Maniphou-16 under Integrated Nutrient Management was organized by ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra Chandel at Riverlane village, Chandel district on Thursday. The objective of field day was to showcase the importance Integrated Nutrient Management on rice var. RC-Maniphou-16 to the farmers for enhancing the production, productivity and economics.

Addressing on the occasion, Dr. Khumlo Levish SMS (Agronomy), ICAR-KVK Chandel highlighted the performance of the rice var. RC-Maniphou-16 which is a newly released variety by ICAR-RC for NEH Region, Manipur Centre.  The variety is a semi-dwarf, medium duration with the potential yield of 7-8t/ha with good management practices. It is resistant to leaf and neck blast diseases. It also has got soft cooking quality with low amylose content and is highly preferred by the people of Manipur. Dr. Khumlo Levish also explained that Integrated Nutrient Management is a comprehensive approach to improve rice yields by minimizing nutrient losses to the environment and managing the nutrient supply, and thereby results in high nutrient use efficiency. Moreover, INM plays a crucial role in climate change adaptation, improves soil health and resilience. She also encourages the farmers to use fertilizer judiciously to safeguard the soil health and sustainability.

Dr. A. Ameeta Devi, Sr. Scientist & Head, ICAR-KVK Chandel also urged the farmers to adopt the Integrated Nutrient Management and reduce the use of inorganic fertilizers so that it helps to restore and sustain crop productivity and also maintaining the ecology of the ecosystem. She also appreciates the farmers effort, their sincerity, handworks and their contributions in agriculture sector.

The Scientist-Farmer interaction sessions was also conducted and attended by the experts of ICAR-KVK Chandel Ts. Leenda Monsang SMS (Plant Breeding), Dr. K. Sonamani Singh, SMS (SWCE), Dr. Y. Prabhabati Devi, SMS (Home Science) and Ps. Lavid Anal, SMS (Horticulture). Thereafter, field visit was organised for showcasing the technology which was witnessed by 38 farmers along with the staffs of ICAR-KVK Chandel.

05/11/2024, Chandel:

A one-day Farmers’ Field Day on rice variety RC Maniphou-15 was organised under NICRA Project by KVK Chandel today at Lambung village of Chandel district.

Dr. Kangjam Sonamani Singh, Nodal Officer (NICRA Project) expressed that the field day was organised under NICRA Project to showcase the success of the rice variety RC Maniphou-15 which is a medium duration variety with a promising yield potential of 7.5 t/ha and is resistant to neck and blast diseases. He stated that rice is the staple food of crop in the district of Chandel and its cultivation is carried out in various situations and farming systems. Changing weather pattern and water stress has significantly reduced the production and productivity of the crop often demoralising the farmers. He called upon the need for farmers to start adopting climate smart farming with the usage of the latest technologies for enhancing the farm income.

Dr A. Ameeta Devi, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Chandel enlightened the farmers with encouraging messages and stressed the need and importance of undertaking climate -resilient farming systems in an integrated approach. She congratulated the farmers who could achieve bumper yield in rice production and wished for further success in the coming years. She also motivated the other farmers from the neighbouring villages to adopt positive changes in their cultivation techniques to achieve enhanced income. The programme was followed by Farmer Scientist interaction, the interaction programme was attended by Dr. Khumlo Levish Chongloi, SMS (Agronomy), Ts Leenda Monsang, SMS (Plant Breeding) and Ps. Lavid Anal, SMS (Horticulture).

The programme concluded with a field visit to the farmers’ fields. The field day was attended by 36 farmers from the neighbouring villages and staffs of KVK Chandel.

29/10/2024, Chandel: A one-day Capacity Building Programme on Scientific Livestock and Poultry Management under NICRA Project was organized at the Conference Hall of KVK Chandel today. Dr. Kangjam Sonamani Singh, Nodal Officer (NICRA Project) in his keynote address stressed the need and importance of observing proper incorporation of livestock in the integrated farming system in the hills and foothills. He underlined that though the farmers of the district have been rearing animals since time immemorial, it is high time to adopt climate resilient breeds and more scientific methods to combat the present climate change crisis and to counter the risk of disease infestation, keeping in view the location of the district at the international border. With the harsh reality of changing weather pattern, he emphasized the need for farmers to incorporate means and ways to supplement the income from the conventional crops.

Dr A. Ameeta Devi, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Chandel and also a specialist in animal husbandry, in her speech asked the farmers to practice proper and timely vaccination to ensure profitable livestock farming. She pointed out that since meat is an important part of the daily cuisine of the tribal households, sustainable poultry and piggery farming is the need of the hour. She stressed on the need for proper and clean sheds and shelters which are well-lit and ventilated for overall well-being of the animals. She emphasised that solely depending on the leftover food and kitchen waste will not yield satisfactory returns and reiterated the importance of feed supplements, mineral mixture and vitamins. She elaborated on the common diseases and infections of the animals and suggested remedies for them and added that proper care and management are key issues which go a long way for better and higher returns. The programme was attended by 28 farmers and staff of KVK Chandel.

Chandel, 25/10/24: Three days Awareness cum Training on role of livestock in natural farming was concluded today at Modi village. The programme was organised by ICAR – KVK Chandel. Modi village is one such village adopted by ICAR – KVK Chandel for Natural farming in Chandel District. Today programme was attended by Dr. A. Ameeta Devi, Sr. Scientist and Head, Ts. Leenda Monsang, SMS(Plant Breeding) and Ps. Lavid Anal, SMS (Horticulture) of KVK Chandel. During the technical session, Sr. Scientist and Head, Dr. A. Ameeta Devi spoke on role of natural farming, where livestock play a critical role in enhancing soil fertility, managing pests, and contributing to a self-sustaining agricultural ecosystem. She elaborated that natural farming aims for a closed-loop system, where livestock and crops are interdependent, promoting a sustainable, low-input agricultural model that aligns with nature’s principles. At the end of the session, farmer – scientist interaction was conducted. Horticulture crop seeds were distributed to 42 farmers of Modi village who attended the programme.

06/08/2024, Chandel: Felicitation programme for Double Farmer Income (DFI)’s Farmers under Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India was held today at Conference Hall of ICAR – KVK Chandel, Monsang Pantha, Chandel. Ts. Gladney Monsang, District Agriculture Officer, Chandel, Ts. Hringnary Anal, Supervisor, ICDS Project, Chandel and Dr. A. Ameeta Devi, Sr. Scientist & Head, KVK Chandel were Chief Guest, Guest of Honour and Functional President respectively. It is worth mentioning that the Doubling Farmers’ Income (DFI) project, initiated by the Indian government in February 2016, aims to double the income of farmers by 2022. This ambitious goal is pursued through a multi-faceted approach focusing on productivity, efficiency, diversification, and fair pricing. It represents a comprehensive effort to transform Indian agriculture and improve the livelihoods of farmers. Ts. Glaney Monsang while delivering her speech appreciated the DFI’s farmers for promoting the adoption of advanced farming techniques and technologies to boost crop yields. She advocated to the farmers, to keep using the high-yielding variety seeds, precision farming, and modern irrigation methods rendered by ICAR and KVKs for doubling their incomes. She also mentioned Government’s scheme such as Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) which will benefit the farmers and double their incomes. Ts. Hringnary Anal underscored double cropping farming and maximizes land use and productivity. She also stressed for cultivation of high value crops such as fruits, vegetables, and spices. She said increasing incomes can lead to sustainable livelihoods, thereby benefiting the health of women and children. Dr. A. Ameeta Devi while instilling the farmers to continue to follow better breeding practices and providing comprehensive veterinary care, by doing so it will enhance the productivity of our livestock and ensuring higher returns to farmers. She informed that the farmers can approach line departments and KVK for any technology know-how and assistance. During the programme DFI certificates were distributed to the DFI’s Farmers. The programme was also attended by Dr. Y. Prabhabati Devi, SMS (Home Science), Dr. Kl. Levish, SMS(Agronomy), Ts. Leenda Monsang, SMS(Plant Breeding), Dr. K. Sonamani Singh, SMS (Agril. Engg.) and Ps. Lavid Anal, SMS (Horticulture). Overall 98 farmers and staff of KVK Chandel attended the programme.

Chandel, 02/08/2024: A five-day vocational training programme for farmers on ‘Crop diversification in improving household food security and income enhancement’ was organised by KVK, Chandel under its 100 days action plan concluded today. In the technical session, Dr Khumlo Levish Chongloi, SMS (Agronomy) delivered lectures on the importance of crop diversification in enhancing household income and food security, elaborating on different cropping systems suitable for the district, which could help in increasing cropping intensity as well as production and productivity.

During the valedictory programme held in the presence of senior scientist and head Dr A Ameeta Devi, SMS (PI Breeding) Ts Leenda Monsang, SMS (Horticulture) Lavid Anal and staffers of ICAR-KVK, Chandel, certificates along with seasonal vegetable seeds including French bean, carrot, beet root and coriander were distributed to 24 farmer participants front surrounding villages.

Chandel, 29/07/2024: A training programme under ‘Climate Resilient Agriculture’ was conducted by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Chandel at its conference hall under the ‘National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA)’ Project on Monday.According to a KVK, Chandel release, NICRA Project, Chandel nodal officer Dr Kangjam Sonamani Singh pointed out that climate change is a reality with increasing trend in temperature, precipitation and emission of greenhouse gases also observed in Chandel district.The district is also projected to experience more of extreme rainfall and reduction in crop yields.As subsistence level farming is coupled with prevalent shifting cultivation, the small and marginal farmers will be most affected due to climate change.Hence, there is an urgent need for devising climate proof plan and climate ready policy for climate compatible agricultural development in Chandel, he said delivering the keynote address. KVK, Chandel senior scientist and head Dr A Ameeta Devi also spoke as resource persons at the programme, said the release, adding that input materials in the form of ducklings, goats, feed, medicines, feed supplements, shade net, moisture meter, weighing balance, water pumps, French bean seeds and hand tools were distributed to the 25 farmers who participated in the training.

Chandel, 12/06/2024: Field Day on Value added products from underutilized indigenous fruits and vegetables was conducted today at Chandolpokpi Village, Chandel. The Field Day was attended by Dr. A. Ameeta Devi, Sr. Scientist & Head, ICAR – KVK Chandel, M.K Chongrum, Chief Chandolpokpi village and R. Youthem, Chief Ziontlang Village as the presidium member. In the keynote address by the organizer Dr. Y. Prabhabati Devi SMS (Home Science) mentioned that the underutilized indigenous fruits and vegetables remained wasted during the season which is very rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. By converting these underutilized indigenous fruits and vegetables in to different value added products, the income and nutritional status of the farmer can be increased. By starting small scale entrepreneurship on value added products, the income of the farmers can be increased to certain extent. Dr. A. Ameeta Devi expressed that the technology given by KVK must be properly utilized and production of value added products must be encouraged in the coming years so that post harvest loses could be reduced to certain extent. While, M.K Chongrum, Chief Chandolpokpi village also acknowledged that the processing of fruits and vegetables which is undertaken by the farmers have indeed reduce the wastage of the fruits and vegetable. He urged the farmers who have not undertaken the technology to adopt in the coming days in order to increase their income by using the underutilised fruits which are available throughout the year. R. Youthem, Chief of Ziontlang Village emphasized that  post harvest technology should be encouraged and farmer must adopt  the technology developed by KVK.  Thereafter the programme, scientist and farmer interaction programme led by Dr. Y. Prabhabati Devi, SMS (Home Science) Ts. Leenda Monsang, SMS (Plant Breeding), Dr. Khumlo Levish, SMS (Agronomy), Ps. Lavid Anal, SMS (Horticulture), and Dr. K. Sonamani Singh, SMS (Agril. Engineering) was conducted. During the Field Day programme, value added products developed by progressive farm women were displayed and input like preservatives and packaging materials were distributed to the farmers. 55 farmers including staff of KVK Chandel have attended the programme.

Chandel, 05/06/2024:

World Environment Day under the theme “Land Restoration, Desertification & Drought Resilience” was observed at the Conference Hall of KVK Chandel with Shri Abhijith K.V, IFS, DFO, Chandel as the Chief Guest.

Dr. Kangjam Sonamani Singh, Subject Matter Specialist (Soil & Water Conservation) in his keynote address stressed the need and importance of observing the environment day in the wake of recent catastrophic flood and water inundation which the state witnessed. He drove home KVK’s sincere efforts towards land restoration through various activities to promote jhum improvement. Though an age-old practice of the tribal farmers, jhum cultivation has long remained a big factor for land degradation. To promote sustainable farming, farmers have been assisted to incorporate the latest improved technologies as well as resource conservation methodologies to keep the environmental degradation to the minimum. He underlined that though the region is not exactly affected by drought, erratic and untimely rainfall has become the trend, which drastically affects the crop yield as well as productivity. With the harsh reality of changing weather pattern, he emphasized the need for farmers to incorporate less water requiring crops like soybean and groundnut which would not only save the farmers from probable total crop failure but also help in farm diversification and enhance farm income. He stressed the need of farmers to focus on early and short duration crop varieties which are recommended by ICAR, Manipur Centre for assured success in fields as well as to enable secondary crop by utilising the residual soil moisture. He expressed that aggressive afforestation and effective rainwater harvesting is the need of the hour

Dr A. Ameeta Devi, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Chandel in her speech asked the farmers to practice tree plantation a lifelong habit whatever crop they prefer to grow or no matter how big or small their land holdings may be. Soil erosion control in the hills can be curbed only through proper conservation and promotion of tree orchards in the hills.

Shri Abhijith, K.V. IFS, District Forest Officer, Chandel urged the farmers not to put extreme pressure to the environment. As a part of afforestation, he stressed the need for planting of Gmelina arborea spp (Wang) instead of the usual eucalyptus trees since there are no paper-based industries in the state. Farmers need to adopt the latest scientific climate-friendly technologies in collaboration with the KVK. He stated that climate change is a stark reality and facing it is should be the collective effort of the entire society as a whole and not of a single NGO, student body, CSO or farmer. He reiterated that farmers should focus on the long term ecological balance and not just on short term gains based on tree felling and firewood collection.

Shri K. Pawan Sharma, Ranger, District Forest Office, Chandel stated that planting a whole load of trees are the only meaningful gift for the future generation as a buffer against natural calamities. Environmental disturbance has led to rare occurrence of severe flood and untimely rainfall in the state. Temperatures have reached even upto 40^oC in the recent times. Planting of trees should be done in true spirit and with the purpose of ensuring survival and proper growth and not just for ritualistic photoshoot once a year. Prolonged care is needed for ensuring a cleaner and greener environment.

Around 517 saplings of papaya, jamun, treebean and jackfruit were distributed and also planted in the vicinity of the office premises. The programme was attended by 68 farmers and staff of KVK Chandel.

Chandel, 28/02/2024:

One day training programme on Quality Seed Production for Cereal Crops under AICRP on Seed (Crops) was conducted today at ICAR – KVK Chandel.  The programme was attended by Chandel  District Agriculture Officer Ts. Gladney Monsang and Dr. A. Ameeta Devi, Sr. Scientist & Head, ICAR – KVK Chandel as the presidium member. In the keynote addressed by Ts. Leenda Monsang, SMS – Plant Breeding, ICAR – KVK Chandel highlighted the importance of famers participation in seed production programme under AICRP and upcoming seed programmes for Kharif cereal crops. Dr. A. Ameeta Devi in her speech mentioned the importance of seed in agriculture and safe seed storage for all round seed availability. While Ts. Gladney Monsang emphasize coordinated effort with line department for more participation of farmers in quality seed production and encourage the farmers to produce quality seed in order to make available and self quality seed sufficient in the district. In the technical session, Ts. Leenda Monsang lectured on package of practices of cereal crops mainly on rice, maize and millets for quality seed production. Thereafter the technical session, scientists and farmers interaction programme was conducted. The interaction programme was also attended by Dr. Kl. Levish, SMS (Agronomy) and Dr. K. Sonamani Singh, SMS (Agril. Engg.). Input distribution of maize and French bean were provided to 40 farmers who have attended the training.