ICAR-NOFRI Empowered Progressive Farmers Of South Sikkim
The ICAR-National Organic Farming Research Institute (NOFRI), Tadong organized ‘Frontline Demonstration on Intensive Organic Vegetable Production’ for the progressive farmers of Lingee, Payong, South Sikkim on February 26, 2018 under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH-Vegetable) and Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) project in order to increase awareness and strengthen the progressive farmers on intensive organic vegetable production by dissemination of scientific knowledge along with input support. During the program, a total of 24 farmers representing different Self Help Groups (SHGs) attended the program and benefited with the technical know-how and various inputs distributed, farmers showed keen interest and appreciated the ICAR efforts.
Dr. R. K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR-NOFRI briefed about the overall activities of ICAR-NOFRI. He stressed upon the importance of scientific knowledge for commercial and intensive production of organic vegetables to bring about perceptible change in the vegetable production scenario of the region. He said that hi-tech low cost production technologies are available with ICAR, which can be a good source of income for the rural youth. He further detailed about the importance of soils in crop production and asked the farmers to conserve the soil by planting crops. He also emphasized the significance of soil health card and its role in organic nutrient management system.
Dr. Ashish Yadav, Senior Scientist (Horticulture) briefed about the organic production techniques of vegetable crops and said that vegetables are quick cash crops. He discussed about the intensive vegetable production techniques under low cost plastic tunnel and plastic rain shelters. During the program, Dr. Yadav and Dr. N.J. Singh practically demonstrated the construction of low cost plastic tunnels to the farmers at field.
Dr. N. J. Singh, SMS (Plant Protection) discussed the pest and disease management in organic production system. He stressed upon the importance of good agricultural practices to minimize pest incidence and that regular monitoring of farm is important for better management of insects and pathogens.
Shri Yogesh Bhandari, Panchayat President Lingmoo-Payong GPU, in his address whole-heartedly thanked the Joint Director and Scientists for their efforts in empowering the rural farmers through improved production technologies of vegetable crops with critical input support system. Shri C.M. Koirala, Shri D.R. Koirala and Shri B.N. Koirala played active role in organizing the program. Shri B.L. Adhikari proposed vote of thanks.
Issued by ICAR-NOFRI
