CHF organizes Farmer-Scientist Dialogue
Arunachal Arunachal: Farmer-scientist interaction-cum-input distribution programme under Forestry Work Experience (FOWE) was held in Upper Siang district on Thursday.
Organised by the College of Horticulture and Forestry (CHF) at Pasighat (E/Siang), the programme was attended by 70 farmers and farm women, members of village self-help groups and 28 final year BSc Forestry students of CHF.
Professor BR Phukan, social science coordinator of the programme, apprised the participants of the importance of horticulture-forestry based technology for enhancing farmers’ income and ensuring sustainability of the farming system. He also highlighted the potential use of natural and organic farm produce for better health.
Professor Dr P Debnath of NRM highlighted the importance of good soil health and integrated nutrient management of fruit and vegetable crops, while plant pathologist Dr P Raja demonstrated seed treatment methods for eliminating seed-borne pathogens in rice, ginger and various vegetable crops. They also provided guidance to farmers on diagnosis and management of challenging diseases like citrus greening, citrus canker and sooty mould.
Dr. Toge Riba, Entomologist, East Siang KVK spoke on effective control measures against pests in various fruit and vegetable crops and rice.
Key talks were also held on fruit drop of orange, chirki furki disease in large cardamom, pests in banana, diseases and pests in rice, soft rot in ginger, citrus decline, citrus greening and citrus canker. Farmers from the village brought samples for evaluation and sought expert advice.
Under FOWE, 28 students were attached to the village for 10 days to develop an understanding of rural life and to familiarise UG forestry students with various conditions prevailing in the village with special reference to forestry.
Inputs like onion seeds, radish and spinach seeds as well as sprayers and agricultural implements were also distributed among the farmers.
A tree plantation drive was also carried out by the students and farmers.
