Field Day on Soybean and Participatory Varietal Selection of Rice
Krishi Vigyan Kendra East Sikkim, ICAR Sikkim Centre, Ranipool organized a programme on “Field day on Soybean and Participatory Varietal Selection of Rice” at KVK Marchak on November 11, 2014 with the objective to popularize new soybean variety RCS 1-10 and varietal selection of suitable variety of rice under Sikkim agro climatic condition on the principle of ‘learning by doing’ and ‘seeing is believing’.
More than twenty farmers from three different villages participated in this programme.Inaugurating the programme, the chief guest, Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR Research Complex, Sikkim Centre appreciated the efforts to bring change in soybean and rice cultivation through participatory mode of varietal selection that would have more impact in future to boost up the rice productivity in state by increasing the seed replacement rate.He advised the practicing farmers of the region to develop agri-prenural ability towards the organic production of quality seed to uplift their livelihood as there is a huge demand of organic seeds in the state. Highlighting about the soil health, soybean being a nitrogen fixing crop helps to improve the fertility of the soil under organic condition.
On the occasion, guest of honour, Smt. Bina Rai, Deputy Director, FS & ADD, Govt. of Sikkim briefed the scenario of soybean and rice cultivation in Sikkim and urged the farmers to increase the production of soybean and rice through the adoption of improved technology of ICAR. She also requested the institute to involve newly formed BFAC and DFAC members to actively participate in the programme for upgradation their knowledge in modern agricultural technology.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. H. Kalita, Principal Scientist (Entomology) delivered lecture on major insect pests of soybean and rice in Sikkim condition and its management through organic measures and cultural practices. Sh Chandan Kapoor, Scientist, ICAR Sikkim Centre, Tadong, highlighted the detailed package of practices of soybean and rice. This type of participatory mode of varietal selection would have more impact in future to increase the rice productivity in the state by increasing the seed replacement rate.
Dr. J. K. Singh SMS (Plant Breeding) KVK, East Sikkim gave a short account of the importance of field day programme giving emphasis on soybean and participatory varietal selection of rice under organic condition. He cited the potential of the late sown soybean variety under organic condition of mid and low hills of Sikkim which has considerable scope in maize fallows.
Scientists and Technical officers Dr. M. Singh, Dr. R. Gopi, Dr. Brijesh Kr., Dr. Mahek Singh, Sh. S. Verma, Dr. N.J. Singh and Sh. B. Lepcha of ICAR Sikkim Centre and KVK East Sikkim, Ranipool interacted with the farmers in their relevant field during the programme.
Farmers were demonstrated the standing crops of soybean and rice in the KVK Marchak Farm to view the performance of different varieties of the crops.
