ATMA Trains Rural Farmers in Nagaland on Bonsai and Kiwi Cultivation

Kohima: The Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) of Chizami Block spent three days training local growers. They ran sessions from August 27 to 29. Events took place in Zhavame, Zelome, and Tsupfume villages. The program pushed for better farming practices.

Letso Mekro from Nagami Bonsai led a course on bonsai production. He taught rural youth how to select, pot, and prune plants. The agency wants these students to start their own businesses in the ornamental sector. It is a push for local self-employment.

Manjunath K.S. from KVK Porba, Phek, ran a separate demonstration on horticultural crops. He focused on kiwi management. He explained that "the programme enabled farmers to gain a better understanding of kiwi production" during the sessions. Farmers learned about the right soil types and climate for the fruit.

The technical training covered grafting and pruning methods. It also touched on pest control, weeding, and when to harvest. These experts believe scientific management will boost both the quality and volume of the kiwi harvest in these villages.