NAMSAI, Oct 27: In a significant effort towards making agriculture more remunerative, ICAR-Central Plantation Crop Research Institute (CPCRI), Kasargod, Kerala in collaboration with ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Momong (Namsai) conducted a training programme on scientific cultivation of cocoa at the KVK office premises today.
ICAR- CPCRI is the leading institute for research on plantation crops including cocoa, areca nut, and coconut.
Over 100 farmers of Namsai district attended the programme, which was organized to enhance the capacity of farmers by improving their technical knowledge on scientific cocoa cultivation and processing.
Sr Scientist & Head KVK, Dr Utpal Barua introduced the crop and the agenda of the programme.
The technical sessions started with a session by Principal Scientist (Horticulture) Dr S Elain Apshara on scientific production technology of cocoa. She explained the intercropping of cocoa with areca nut, coconut and oil palm, varieties suitable, nursery raising and management of cocoa plant.
Sr Scientist (Plant Pathology) Dr Chaithra M sensitized the farmers about disease and pest management in cocoa. The primary processing of cocoa, value addition and chocolate making was discussed by Scientist (Agricultural Processing) Dr Hima John.
The technical session ended with interaction with farmers regarding issue faced by them in different plantation crops.
With the active attempt of the state government to promote cocoa cultivation in North East especially in Namsai district, the programme provides the required technical support for cocoa farmers. It is a progressive step towards crop diversification, reducing over reliance on traditional crops, enhanced income and livelihood. It showcases the ICAR and government’s vision towards advancing agriculture to be more remunerative, sustainable and climate resilient.
The farmers showed great enthusiasm in adopting the crop and demonstrated practices indicating potential success of the initiative.
Among others, Namsai District Horticulture Officer Mardo Nino, and officials from Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Namsai, representatives of FPOs and KVK officials attended the programme.