South Sikkim Tribal Farmers Empowered Through ICAR Input And Technological Support
The ICAR Sikkim Centre organized two days program during December 18-19, 2014 at Ravitar and Perbingtar, South Sikkim under Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) in order to strengthen tribal farmer’s capacity by dissemination of scientific knowledge and input support. During the two days program, a total of 84 farmers participated and benefitted with the technical know how and various necessary inputs like plastics for cultivation of off-season vegetables under low cost plastic tunnels, untreated seeds of Fenugreek, Coriander, Spinach and Radish, bio-fertilizers, neem based bio-pesticide formulations, copper oxy chloride (COC) and spray machines were distributed among the farmers of different self help groups (SHGs) viz. Parivartan Farmers Club, Ravitar; Perbingtar Farmers Club, Perbingtar Tendung Nari SHG, Basanti SHG, Perbingtar Nari Morcha SHG and upper Perbingtar Orchid SHG.
Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR Sikkim Centre stressed upon the importance of scientific knowledge for commercial production of crops to bring about perceptible change in the region. He emphasized on the importance of soil testing for balanced nutrition of crops and adoption of integrated farming system including livestock components. Joint Director also distributed the plastics, seeds, sprayers, biofertilizers, organic insecticides and fungicides to the progressive farmers of Ravitar and Perbingtar, South Sikkim.
Dr. H. Kalita, Principal Scientist (Entomology) discussed the organic pest and disease management in major agri-horti crops of Sikkim. He stressed upon the importance of regular visit and proper monitoring of farm 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 vegetables under low cost plastic tunnels. He highlighted that vegetables are quick cash crops and hi-tech production of vegetables with low cost technologies is very profitable.
Dr. Raghavendra Singh, Senior Scientist (Agronomy) talked on the organic agronomic practices of major field crops. He emphasized on the need of proper maintenance of all cropped area by keeping them weed-free and crop rotation with leguminous crops.
Dr. Mahak Singh, Scientist (Animal Reproduction) also interacted with the farmers and suggested methods for maintaining the hygienic housing for prevention of mastitis. He educated the farmers to ensure one calf in a year from cows by maintaining sound reproductive health. He also discussed backyard poultry management techniques.
Shri Boniface Lepcha, Subject Matter Specialist (Horticulture), discussed about the low cost water harvesting structure like Jalkund for judicious use of water for winter crops. He also briefed about the vegetable nursery management techniques.
Shri Kharandra Mangal, Vice President Panchayat, Ravitar and Shri Nima Sherpa, Panchayat Member, Perbingtar, South Sikkim in their addresses, thanked Joint Director ICAR Sikkim Centre for organizing such programme in South Sikkim and imparting knowledge regarding agricultural practices and also for providing quality inputs to them.
Ms. Dinisha Rai and Ms. Tirtha Chettri assisted in organizing the programmes.
Progressive farmers of Ravitar and Perbingtar, South Sikkim along with distributed inputs
