Editorial Board Editor in Chief: R.K.Nithanga Exe. Editors: Dr. C.Rinawma Henry Saplalrinliana Members: Dr. Rohit Sukla Md Mintul Ali Baby Lalremkimi C.Ramdinsanga NNEEWWSSLLEETTTTEERR

• Vol. I . No. 1 : October to December , 2008, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, (for District) Lengpui ,

INAUGURATION OF KRISHI VIGYAN KENDRA, LENGPUI

AAA colourful, flamboyant and diverse with various culture, ethnicity and

identity is what anthropologist would describe as. Even though the term “transitional period” characterizes’ this very 21st century’s economical definition; our India is an agriculture nation. It was with such reasons that Krishi Vigyan Kendra was formed for the rural farmers yet ever promising Indians. With due thanks to the leaders of India, Mizoram has not been left behind.

Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), at Lengpui, Mizoram was inaugurated on 31 st May,2008 by Hon’ble Home Minister of Mizoram, Shri. Tawnluia. He was accompanied by Shri. Saikapthianga, MLA, and Shri. T.

Sangkunga, Joint Secretary, Govt of Mizoram. The inauguration function was

chaired by Shri. J. Lalzamliana, Dy. Director, Department of Agriculture (R&E). On this auspicious occasion, the Minister said that Mizoram is getting the blessing of Govt. of India on various developmental works and it is a high time we prepare ourselves to receive and benefit the blessing in body and spirit. He concluded his speech by his faith in KVK to bring forth positive changes to farmers of Mizoram. Speech was also delivered by Shri. Saikapthianga MLA, Dr. O.P.Singh, Director, Department of Agriculture (R&E) and Shri. T.Sangkunga, Jt. Secretary followed by introduction of the newly recruited staff of KVK, Lengpui. The various aims and objectives of KVK and its function were also highlighted by the chairman.

TRAINING PROGRAMME ON IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINABILITY WITH ANIMAL REARING CUM FREE ANIMAL CLINIC

N ormality in a society can be found if and only if identity crisis is negated. Farmers training on, “ Sustainability with Animal Rearing ” was conducted at K.V.K, Lengpui on 19 th September’08. The training was conducted at Farmers Training Hall at KVK, Lengpui and inaugurated by Hon’ble Minister Pu Lalrinchhana (AH & Vety, Industries & Transport) with resource person Dr. Daniel Chianghnuna whose topic was “ An economical approach to sustainable pig farming ”. The function was chaired by Mr.R.K.Nithanga, Prog. Coordinator, KVK, Lengpui and the Resource persons were Dr. Daniel, Dy.Director, AH & Vety. Dept. and Dr.C.Rinawma, SMS It gives me a great pleasure (Vety),KVK, Lengpui. to see the development of KVK in

The training was conducted with a hope to instill Mizoram State during the past 2/3 a mindset of sustainability with pictorial years, in which I happened to be a part of it. illustrations shown through PP presentations. Audio-visual illustration was emphasized firstly through a documentary on Working of Slaughter KVK, Lengpui, which has House in the United States of America, signifying started working for the farmers of Mamit District is one of the the need of maintaining standard hygiene and sanitation thus limiting the possible disease flourishing KVKs with the efforts influx between both man and animal. A and hard works rendered by the management procedure to limit the occurrence ICAR, the State Department and of course, the KVK team of Lengpui. I /immergence of Swine Fever (Hog Cholera) was also taught . am satisfied with the good beginning and good working spirit amongst the staff of KVK, Mamit A total of 37 animal farmers participated the training. Farmers training session was followed by District and I wish it will be one of conducting a ‘Free Veterinary Camp’ where medicines, prophylactics and vaccinations were the best KVK in the country in the distributed. Though the free camp was conducted during the latter half of the day a total of 75 years to come. animal owners benefited the distribution.

Address for Communication: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Lengpui1 , Mizoram, Phone : 0389 - 2573339 Pin : 796410

• KVK NEWSLETTER Quarterly: Vol. I . No. 1 : October to December , 2008, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Lengpui-796410 , Mizoram DETAIL SURVEY OF MAMIT DISTRICT

Officers & Staff of KVK, Lengpui were grouped into three to survey

th villages under Mamit district. The first group marched for the survey on 20 rd October’2008 and the second and third group made their move from 3 November’2008 onwards. The first group surveyed on 27 villages and could obtained a detail survey report of the farmers and their agricultural background along with their social behaviors. Some of the constrictions are pretty much basic for instance, roads & communication structure. We have to pave our way by foot so as to reach certain village. IIIntroducing the new face of KVK at Village level sustainability can be found in certain pockets only (very few) but majority yet rely on imports. Bordering villages with Chakma/ Bru/ Tuikuk are yet indecisive with Lengpui, Mamit District, Mizoram, I feel land ownership and a political insecurity can be felt. Agriculture is the backbone for proud to be a part of it. The KVK was most of the village, yet, jhum type of cultivation is followed devastating the lands. inaugurated by Hon’ble Home Minister of Certain crops like rice, maize, pulses, vegetables, are cultivated as subsistence farming Mizoram on 31 st ,May,2008 to be the third and sesame, sugarcane, chillies, ginger, turmeric, as cash crops. Plantations of Oil Palm , KVK in the State after KVK, District Teak ( Tectonia grandis ) & Hatkora are also found in some of the areas. and District (Hnahthial) established in 1977 and 2000 respectively. At present, Mizoram is one of the few states having KVK in each eight District. KVK, Lengpui covers 4.50 Ha.of land at the Office and residential complex and 22.50 Ha. of arable land in the nearby Farm. The KVK Complex is little further than a walking distance from towards the north eastern MARPARA site, adjoiningROAD the Lengpui Town. We are 16 regular staff in strength,10 of us are Scientific staff in the field of On our way to Villages With the Village Committee members Agriculture, Animal Science & Veterinary, Fisheries and Forestry, 1/3rd accommodated in 6 staff Quarters. The mandate of KVK is to bring about change in knowledge, skill and attitude on new farming technology to the Farming Community and the Extension workers through On Farm Trial, Frontline Demonstration and Training. This KVK, since its inception put its foot on the right step conducting on and off campus Farmers Roads are not that all smooth Interview with the Villagers Trainings, Demonstration, Free Clinic/Camps, field visit, setting up Community Nurseries in TRA ININGS ATTENDED BY SCIENTIFIC STAFFS OF KVK, LENGPUI the farmers’ areas, etc.etc. The farmers’ attention and interest are being arisen and Sl. Name of Course Name of Scientific Duration & Place the feedback are quite good and encouraging. No Officer The isolated farmers living in the remote 1 Culture & Breeding of Important Cold Md. Mintul Ali, 14 th – 21 st July’08, areas of the District are being noticed and Water Fish Sps SMS (Fishery) NRCCWF, Bhimtal, explored; their problems are being identified Uttarakhan and put in the pipeline for their solution. I 2 Worshop on Annual Action Plan – Annual Henry Saplalrinliana, 30 th Aug – 1st Sept’ can foresee a light in the near future for many report etc for KVKs SMS (Soil Science) 08, of our frustrating farmers, with the KVK team AAU, Jorhat members on the right tract. 3 Worshop cum orientation Programme on Dr. Rohit Shukla, 30 th Aug – 1st Sept’ The KVK alone with its limited Seeds & Planting Materials Production SMS (Horti) 08, resources can do very little if not linked with AAU, Jorhat th th other organizations like the State Govt. 4 Annual Zonal Workshop of KVKs R.K.Nithanga, 15 – 17 Aug’08, Departments, NGOs, Farmers Union, and of Programme Coordinator Itanagar, course the Farming Community as a whole. Arunachal Pradesh We need their support, co-operation, a good THE FIRST NEW BORN BA BY OF working spirit amongst us. KVK, LENGPUI The dynamic and able leadership of DOB : 25 TH OCTOBER’ 2008 the Zone Coordinator of ICAR and the

Director of Host Department in the State i.e Department of Agriculture(Research & Edn.), Govt. of Mizoram in the progress and development of this KVK is invaluable and praiseworthy. Greetings to the Readers of this first issue of Our Newsletter.

- R.K.Nithanga Administrative Building of KVK, Lengpui

Address for Communication: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Lengpui, Mizoram, Pin : 796410 , Phone : 0389 - 2573339

2

• KVK NEWSLETTER: Vol. I . No. 1 : October to December , 2008, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Lengpui , Mizoram

TRAINING ON VERMICOMPOSTING AND GREEN MANURING TECHNIQUES

TTThe first training conducted at Lengpui KVK was training on “Vermicomposting & Green Manuring Techniques” on 10 th June’2008 . The training was given by Mr.Henry Saplalrinliana, SMS (Soil Sc) & Ms.Lalrinsangi, SMS (Agroforestry). The function was chaired by Ms.Baby Lalremkimi, Prog. Asst. (Agri Ext). The training was followed by interaction and discussions under various topics. Different queries from the farmers were answered by Dr. C.Rinawma, SMS (Vety), Dr.Rohit Shukla, SMS (Horti), Mr.Md. Mintul Ali, SMS (Fishery), Ms.Lyncy Lalrindiki, SMS (Plant Protection) and Ms.K.Zohmingliani, Farm Manager . The training emphasized mostly on preparation, usage and advantages of Vermicompost & Green Manuring. The evening session was on practical preparation of Vermicompost & Green Manuring. 25 Nos. of farmers attended the training and all the farmers actively involved in the practical training. As per the written feedback received from the farmers, the training seem to be fruitful for the farmers.

Green manuring in practice Training on Vermicomposting GM in KVK Demonstration Unit

ORGANIC PRODUCE FROM KVK, SEEDS/SEEDLINGS DISTRIBUTION OF WINTER VEGETABLES LENGPUI Nursery raised seedlings of winter vegetables OOOrganic farming is the main like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli & tomato along with theme of KVK, Lengpui. The institute has other winter vegetable seeds like TPS, garden peas, supplied organic vegetables namely Okra & mustard seeds, carrot, onion, radish, coriander etc. has babycorn to the local Lengpui market been distributed free of cost to nearby farmers at vendors at subsidized rate. Organic inputs Lengpui. Around 200 farmers benefitted the distribution like Vermicompost, cow dung along with programme & hoped that more seedling would be green manures are usually utilized to distributed through KVK in the future. Other winter produce these vegetables. The demand for vegetable seeds are being distributed at various villages these organic produces are likely to – Hmunpui, West Serzawl,Darlak & Lengte. increase year after years.

Okra Var: N-801 VERMICOMPOSTING – A STEP TO ORGANIC FARMING

With the commencement of KVK Lengpui,

Vermicomposting is one amongst the important activities carried out by KVK, Lengpui. A vermiculture hatchery unit housing about 200 kgs of vermiworms is being utilized to produce about 4000 kgs of vermicompost till date. At present, the vermicompost is sold at Rs 5 per kg. These Vermicompost is purchased mainly by vegetable growers of Lengpui  Okra Var: Arka Anamika Village and few florist from District. The institute is looking forward to augment its production in the near future as demand increases. The sale of Vermicompost may be one source to compensate KVK’s revolving fund.

ON FARM TRIAL

O FT at different locations at Mamit District  Babycorn and within the KVK farm is presently being taken up. Some of the crops grown under OFT includes – brinjal, tomato, okra, field pea, garden pea & rice (IR-64). The institute is keenly observing the crops’ performance under varied topographical & climatic conditions along with varied technologies. KVK Lengpui is looking forward to disseminate a streamlined technology to the farmers through these OFT.

Address for Communication: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Lengpui, Mizoram, Phone : 0389 - 2573339 Pin : 796410

3

• KVK NEWSLETTER: Vol. I . No. 1 : October to December , 2008, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Lengpui , Mamit District , Mizoram TRAININGS CONDUCTED BY KVK, LENGPUI TILL OCTOBER’2008

Nos of Farmers Sl. Date Training Topics attending the No training 1 10th June’2008 Vermicomposting and Green Manuring Techniques 25 2 29th August’2008 Organic Farming & Vermiculture Technology 38 3 2nd September’2008 Composite Fish Culture 23 4 9th September’2008 Organic Farming & EM Technology 52 5 16th September’2008 Agroforestry for Farm Women 24 6 19th September’2008 Importance of Sustainability with Animal Rearing cum Free Animal Clinic 47 7 15th October’2008 Vegetable Seed Production Technology 31

VISITORS :

 A team of KVK Staff from , Selesih visited our Campus on 10.10.08. The team consisted of 8 members serving at KVK, Selesih. They spent the whole day visiting demonstration Units, Administrative building, Farmers’ Hostel, Vermi-composting Unit, Cattle Rearing Unit, KVK Farm, etc. Dr.Akali Sema, Director, Central Institute of Horticulture, Dimapur, Nagaland visited us on 4.11.08. She appreciated the development and achievement made in the Kendra. Mr.H.Rammawi, Hon’ble Minister of Agriculture, Govt. of Officers & Staff of KVK, Lengpui Mizoram visited the Campus on 6.8.08. He was received by

the Programme Coordinator taking him around various WHO’S WHO AT KVK, LENGPUI units of the KVK.

Sl.  Dr. Mrs. I.K.Borthakur, Hon’ble Member, North Eastern No Designation Name  Council visited this Kendra on 11.9.08.

1 Programme Coordinator R.K.Nithanga 0389 -2573352(O) Dr.R.P.Singh, Regional Centre of Organic Farming, 9436141153(M) 2 SMS (Soil Science) Henry Saplalrinliana 9436190701(M) Imphal visited the KVK and its Farm on 26.7.08. 3 SMS (Horticulture) Dr.Rohit Shukla 9436158902(M)  Dr. K.A.Pathak, Joint Director, ICAR Research Complex, 4 SMS (Veterinary) Dr.C.Rinawma 9436140777 (M) Kolasib visited the Kendra on 14 th ,August, 2008. 5 SMS (Fisheries) Md Mintul Ali 9863186496(M) 6 SMS (Agro -Forestry) Lalrinsangi 9862047718(M)  Mr.Lalthlamuana, Programme Coordinator, KVK, 7 SMS (Plant Protection) Lyncy Lalrindiki 9862449990(M) District and Dr.K.P.Chaudhary, Programme 8 Progra mme Assistant Baby Lalremkimi 9436195810(M) Coordinator, KVK, Aizawl District visited us on 20.8.08 and (Agril Ext) 19.9.08 respectively. 9 Computer Programmer C. Ramdinsanga 9862323227(M) Dr. Binay Singh, Adviser, North Eastern Council visited 10 Farm Manager K.Zohmingliani 9862538057(M)  th 11 Superintendent -Cum - Lalrinchhana Sailo 9862340535(M) the Campus on 19 September,2008. He was accompanied by Dr. O.P Singh, Director of Agriculture (R&E). The Adviser Accountant 12 Jr. Steno -Cum -Co mputer B.Laldinpuii 9862315903(M) was taken to Dialdawk areas where Double cropping Operator Programme are being undertaken by the Department. 13 Supporting Staff Lallawmkima 9862335198(M) 14 Supporting Staff P.C.Lalthanpuii 9862686604(M) 15 Driver -Cum -Mechanic H.Laldawngliana 9862387199(M) KVK ORIENTATION TRAINING FOR NEW RECRUITS : 17 Driver -Cum -Mechanic Lalchuailova 9436360108(M) An Orientation Training for newly recruited KVK Staff was 18 Office 0389 - 2573339 organised by Department of Agricukture(R&E), Govt. of 0389-2573338 (Fax) Mizoram (the Host Organization of KVK) on 14.5.08. Dr.V.Venkatasubramanian, Zonal Coordinator, Zonal Coordinating Unit-III, ICAR Research Complex for NER came to Aizawl to brief and give orientation Training to the new recruited Staff and also to monitor the on-going

works under KVKs. The Training was attended by all the KVK Staff in Mizoram. On his way to Aizawl, the Zone Coordinator visited KVK, Lengpui on 13 th May,2008.

Dr.Binay Singh visits Dialdawk areas. Learning by doing-EM Composting

Address for Communication: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Lengpui, Pin : 796410 Mamit District, Mizoram, e-mail: [email protected]

4