Farmers benefit from 6-day training on ‘Smart Cashew Farming’
TURA, Sep 16: The ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), West Garo Hills, recently organised a six-day skill development training programme on ‘Climate-Smart Cashew Farming – A Sustainable Future with Shelter for Life’. Sponsored by the All India Coordinated Research Project on Cashew, the programme was aimed at enhancing scientific skills in cashew production of the farmers. Attended by around 50 farmers from 12 villages, the training was part of the 100-Day Action Plan, emphasising the significance of cashew cultivation as the One District One Product (ODOP) crop of West Garo Hills. The training featured a series of expert-led lectures covering a broad range of topics, including good agricultural practices in cashew cultivation, entrepreneurship in horticultural crops, advancements in cashew genotypes, intercropping and cashew-based farming systems, organic certification through the Participatory Guarantee System of India, and integrated disease management. Emphasis was also laid on climate-smart cashew technology, the role of organic certification and the various central and state government schemes available to support cashew farming. In addition to the theoretical aspects, hands-on practical sessions were conducted on propagation techniques, soil-testing procedures, Bordeaux paste preparation, and value addition in cashews. Farmers were also taken on an exposure visit to the Cashew Mother Block at the KVK farm. On the concluding day, participation certificates were distributed among the farmers, along with essential farming inputs such as spades, dao, and watering caps, to motivate them further.
Theft at WJH DC Office; investigation under way
JOWAI, Sep 16: A case of theft was reported early Monday morning at the Office of the West Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner, following which a case was registered a case at Jowai Police Station. It is reported that unknown individuals had stolen electrical wires, LAN cables and CCTV cables from the DC Office. The incident was discovered at 7 am when the watchman noticed the missing items and alerted the district administration. It is suspected that the theft took place around 3 am, although the watchman, who was on duty, did not hear any disturbance. Authorities believe the thieves entered through the ground floor door. It may be noted that the CCTV system in the office, which was scheduled to become operational this week, had not yet been activated. Meanwhile, a case has been registered and an investigation is under way.
95 farmers from the district.