ICAR-KVK, East Sikkim strengthens pulses production through cluster approach
ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra-East Sikkim conducted training cum input distribution programme on Cluster Frontline Demonstration on Pulses under National Food Security Mission at Bhasme village, East Sikkimwith an objective to enhance the production and productivity of pulses through area expansion in a sustainable manner. A total of 87nos. of progressive farmers from Upper Bhasme and Tindharey village participated in the programme and benefited with input support of black gram (pahenlo dal) covering 12 ha in the village.
The programme was chaired by Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR-National Organic Farming Research Institute, Tadong. He stressed upon the farmers to adopt black gram as an alternative crop in maize-fallow to enhance the cropping intensity by 200 per cent in the state. Prime importance was laid upon the organic seed production by the farmers to uplift their livelihood as well as self sufficiency in seed since there is huge demand of organic seeds in the state. He further encouraged the farmers to undertake production of quality seed of Black gram and become self dependent in organic seeds.
Dr.Raghavendra Singh, Senior Scientist (Agronomy) and Head, KVK-East Sikkim welcomed the gathering and detailed about the improved packages and practices for cultivation of pahenlo dal and importance of crop rotation for soil fertility under organic crop cultivation.
Sh. Boniface Lepcha (SMS-Horticulture) interacted with the farmers and detailed the newly developed ICAR technologies suited to small and marginal farmers in vegetable cultivation for the improvement of farming in the village.
Sh. Chewang Sherpa, Panchayat Member, Tindharey Ward expressed his happiness towards the endeavorsputforth by ICAR-KVK East Sikkim for promoting cluster level pahenlo dal cultivation in the village.
Issued by ICAR-KVK-East Sikkim
Address by the Joint Director to the progressive farmers
Input distributed by Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR-NOFRI
