Dimapur, Dec. 4 (EMN): A seminar cum interaction session on sustainable agriculture was held at Livingstone Foundation Higher Secondary School (LFHSS), Dimapur, on December 4 with Dr. Frank Eyhorn, vice president of International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) and senior advisor of sustainable agriculture HELVETAS, Swiss Incorporation, Zurich, Switzerland, as the main speaker.
The seminar, conducted for the Grade-XI and XII students from all streams, was focused mainly on the importance and viability of organic agriculture in Nagaland.
Speaking on the key aspect of a long-term association with organic agriculture in India, Dr. Frank Eyhorn said organic farming has a key role with regards to global challenges. He has asserted imbibing the basics of agricultural sustainability in young students as it provides livelihood, food sufficiency and a healthy way of life among many other positive aspects. He also underscored the benefits of incorporating organic agriculture through the use of organic manures, PYMs and compost, preventive methods for pest and disease control, crop-rotation and inter-cropping and effective soil management techniques.
Speaking on the future of organic farming in Nagaland, he said that the traditional mode of farming in Nagaland with minimal use of chemical fertilisers could be pursued as a strong base for setting up of organic farms throughout the length and breadth of the state.
Swaraj (Rajah) Banerjee, chairman of Makaibari Tea Estate & Tea Classic, also supplemented the importance of organic farming. He highlighted about Nagaland’s potentials in organic farming as it has rich eco-diversity and the Nagas are already richly engaged in pisciculture and bamboo farming on a commercial level.
He spoke highly of the chairman of Livingstone Foundation Higher Secondary School, Andrew Ahoto, who has taken initiative to make organic agriculture viable in the remotest corners of Nagaland.
Meanwhile, Andrew Ahoto has appreciated Dr. Frank Eyhorn, Swaraj Banerjee, and Dr. Akali Sema from SASRD, Nagaland University, for making the seminar a grand success.
Dr. Eyhorn is on a visit to more than six Indian states including Uttarakhand, Sikkim, West Bengal and Nagaland for conducting symposiums and seminars on organic agriculture.