The Anjaw Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) has assessed the performance of finger millet as part of a two-day field monitoring and crop survey conducted across villages in Arunachal Pradesh's Anjaw district.

The programme was carried out on 7 and 8 September in Chingwinty, Changung, Sung, Watong and Kamdi villages under Hawai circle. Along with finger millet, KVK specialists examined popcorn, maize and dhaincha crops.

The field exercise focused on understanding crop growth and development, existing farm-management practices and production constraints experienced by local farmers. Specialists examined crop establishment, plant development, nutrient management, weed pressure, pest and disease occurrence, soil-moisture conditions and overall crop health.

For finger millet, particular attention was given to the crop's stand, growth and performance under prevailing field conditions. The observations can help agricultural specialists understand how the crop is performing at the farm level and identify areas where improved management could support cultivation.

The KVK team was led by agronomist Khoisnam Naveen, accompanied by agricultural economics expert Dr Soibam Peter Singh and land and water management engineering expert Ugarsain Sangwan.

Farmer interaction was another component of the programme. The team collected information about production challenges and farmers' perceptions of crop performance while encouraging improved agronomic practices.

Farmers received guidance on timely weed management, balanced nutrient application and regular surveillance for pests and diseases. The specialists also provided technical advice related to protected cultivation and efficient land and water-resource management.

The programme reflects continuing efforts by agricultural extension institutions to monitor traditional crops such as finger millet under actual farm conditions. For millet-growing regions of Northeast India, such field-level assessment can provide useful information for improving crop management while maintaining locally important climate-adapted cereals within farming systems.