The Off-Campus Farmer Field School on “Farm Management – Critical Farm Knowledge and Practices for Successful Farming” was launched under the Farmers’ FIRST Programme (FFP) by the Division of Technology Assessment and Capacity Building, ICAR-RC-NEH Region at Mawsiatkhnam, East Khasi Hills District, on 19th December 2025 (19th December 2025 to 19th February 2026) with the objective of strengthening farmers’ practical knowledge, skills, and decision-making capacity for sustainable and profitable farming. The programme promotes participatory and field-based learning by integrating scientific principles with local farming practices, with emphasis on efficient resource utilization, enterprise diversification, and risk management under the agro-ecological conditions of the region.
        As a part of the Off-Campus Farmer Field School, a technical session on “Organic and Integrated Management of Important Plant Diseases” was conducted on 5th of January 2026 by Dr. Tasvina R. Borah, Senior Scientist (Plant Pathology). She delivered a comprehensive and farmer-oriented lecture on organic and integrated plant protection strategies, with special reference to ginger and vegetable crops. Dr. Tasvina R. Borah clearly explained the methods of preparation and field application of Bordeaux mixture, along with practical demonstrations on root dip treatment and rhizome treatment of ginger, highlighting their importance in preventing soil and seed-borne diseases. She elaborated on the identification of symptoms, and integrated management practices of major diseases of ginger such as Soft Rot (Rhizome Rot), Bacterial Wilt, and Dry Rot (Fusarium Wilt/Yellows), and also discussed the management of important pests including white grub and mealy bugs using organic and integrated approaches.
        The session further emphasized the importance of soil solarization as an effective, low-cost, and environmentally safe method for reducing soil-borne pathogens, insect pests, and weed seeds, thereby improving soil health and crop productivity. Practical field-based examples and interactive discussions enabled farmers to better understand disease diagnosis, preventive measures, and timely management practices, and to relate scientific recommendations to their own field situations.
        The programme was coordinated by Dr. Tasvina R. Borah, (Sr. Scientist & Co-PI) Dr. Anjoo Yunam, (Scientist & Co-PI), Dr. N. Uttam Singh (PI, FFP), Dr. M. Bishonath Singh (SRF) and Phiyolyne Ranee (Field Assistant).