ICAR Empowered North Sikkim tribal farmers through input and technological support.
The ICAR Sikkim Centre organized training program on January 4th, 2016 at Gram Prashashan Kendra, Passingdong-Saffo, Dzongu, North Sikkim under the guidance of Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR Sikkim Centre in order to strengthen tribal farmer’s capacity by dissemination of scientific knowledge and input support under Tribal Sub Plan (TSP). During the program a total of 35 progressive farmers of four SHGs viz., Sainthik, Panang; Amu Sakchum, Niam; Amu Sakchum, Leek and Rumboo, Saffo, Dzongu, North Sikkim attended the program and benefitted with the technical know how and various inputs distributed viz., plastics for construction of tunnels and nursery house, untreated seeds, organically permitted biopesticides, biofungicides, biofertilizers and vermi-compost units. Farmers showed keen interest in learning the scientific crop production technologies developed by ICAR Sikkim Centre.
Chief Guest of the program, Smt. Anguli Lepcha, Zilla Adhyaksha, North Sikkim in her address thanked the Joint Director, ICAR Sikkim Centre for organizing such programme and imparting knowledge regarding agricultural practices and also for providing quality inputs to them. She also convinced farmers to cultivate their land and generate income to improve their living standard and become self-dependent.
Earlier, Dr. H. Kalita, Principal Scientist (Entomology) presented the overview of the program and its signficance for the region. He also discussed the organic pest management in vegetables crops and vermicompost production techniques. He stressed upon the importance of regular visit and proper monitoring of farms in organic production systems for better management of insect pests.
Dr. Ashish Yadav, Senior Scientist (Horticulture) detailed the organic production techniques of major horticultural crops of Sikkim especially intensive vegetable production under low cost plastic tunnels and plastic rain shelters. He highlighted that vegetables are quick cash crops and hi-tech production of vegetables with low cost technologies is very profitable.
Dr. R. Gopi, Scientist SS (Plant Pathology) shared the information on disease management in vegetables crops and mushroom production techniques. He emphasized the need of proper crop rotation to avoid diseases in agricultural and horticultural crops.
Shri Shaon K. Das, Scientist (Soil Science) talked on the organic nutrient management techniques in vegetable crops and emphasized on the need of proper management of soil acidity for balance nutrition of crops.
Dr. Brijesh Kumar, Scientist (Animal Reproduction) also interacted with the farmers and suggested methods for maintaining the hygienic housing for dairy cattles and piggery. He also discussed backyard poultry management techniques.
Mr. Boniface Lepcha, SMS (Horticulture), KVK Ranipool coordinated the event and shared the information on nursery management for cole crops, tomato and capsicum in organic production system.
Zilla Panchayat, Choda Lepcha; Panchayat President, Pema Lhamu Lepcha; Panchayat Secretary, Ugen Lepcha; Panchayat Vice President, Passang Doma Lepcha; SHGs Presidents viz., Zaymu Lepcha, Sainthik, Panang; Onkit Lepcha, Amu Sakchum, Niam; Chibu Lepcha, Amu Sakchum, Leek and Samten Lepcha, Rumboo, Saffo were also present during the program. Smt. Pemday Lepcha, a very progressive farmer of Panang coordinated with the farmers of all the four SHGs.
Chief Guest Smt. Anguli Lepcha, Zilla Adhyaksha, North Sikkim with Progressive Farmers
Distribution of Input to the Progressive Farmers by Chief Guest
