Field Day on “Field Day on “No-till Cultivation of Pea and Lentil in Rice Fallow and Integrated Organic Farming System (IOFS)” organized at ICAR Complex, Umiam
A field day on ‘Field Day on “No-till Cultivation of Pea and Lentil in Rice Fallow and Integrated Organic Farming System (IOFS)” organized at ICAR Complex, Umiam” was conducted on 25th February, 2020 at Lowland Agronomy farm of ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam under the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP). The programme was attended by more than 90 farmers from more than 80 farmers from ten (10) different villages of Ri-Bhoi and West Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya viz., Pynthor, Mynsain, Pyllun, Umroi, Umden Umbathiang, Pyrdiwah, Nongjri, Nongtnger, Pomshutia and Pynursla. Dr. Jayanta Layek, Principal Investigator of NPOF gave the introductory speech on need of Integrated Organic Farming System (IOFS) for enhancing the system productivity and income of the farmers. The net income from an IOFS model with an area of 0.43 ha has been recorded at Rs. 62,531/- per year which is much higher than the income of farmers’ common practices. Dr. B K Kandpal, Director of the ICAR Institute highlighted the importance of conservation agriculture in enhancing the resource use efficiency and cropping intensity in the region. Dr. B U Choudhury, I/C Head of Crop Production Division highlighted the need of soil health management under organic farming and proper soil sampling procedure to be followed. Demonstration on no-till cultivation of pea, chickpea and lentil in rice fallow, IOFS, vermicomposting etc. were done. A scientists and farmers’ interaction programme was organized regarding seed production technology, soil health test and organic insect pest and disease management options. Various inputs like improved seeds of vegetable, organic pesticides and small farm implements were also distributed to the farmers. In this occasion, 3 innovative farmers having successful IOFS models in their field were also felicitated. The programme was concluded with vote of thanks by Dr. Krishnappa R with every possible helps from ICAR for promotion of farming system and pulse cultivation in NEH region. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Jayanta Layek, Dr. Krishnappa R, Dr. Sandip Patra, Dr. M Thoithoi Devi and Dr. Pankaj Sinha.
