Hon’ble Governor of Sikkim visits ICAR-National Organic Farming Research Institute
Hon’ble Governor of Sikkim, Shri. Ganga Prasad visited ICAR-National Organic Farming Research Institute, Tadong, Gangtok on 21.09.2018 to interact with the Scientists and other staff of the institute. Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Governor said that there has been a great change in the scenario of agriculture ever since the Sikkim has been declared as an organic state. He asserted that to promote organic agriculture as a profitable enterprise, the scientists must demonstrate and transfer their developed technologies to the farmer’s so that there is increase in agricultural production. He emphasized on adoption of integrated agricultural practices like cultivation of medicinal plants, vermicomposting, food processing, organic food preservation, organic honey production and livestock component especially increased milk production that could play important role in doubling farmer’s income. He also added that marketing facilities for organic products have to be strengthened and being a tourist spot awareness must be made about its availability in Sikkim.
Hon’ble Governor expressed his concern over the decreasing area and production of Sikkim mandarin, water harvesting for irrigation purposes and the increasing adulteration in the agricultural commodities. In this context, he recounted the larger responsibilities of the officials and the scientists for the development and promotion of agriculture through technological interventions at farmer’s field.
Joint Director of ICAR-NOFRI, Dr. Ravikant Avasthe, made a presentation and briefed about the achievements and technologies developed by the institute. He highlighted the role of ICAR-NOFRI in bringing about the changes in the agricultural practices of farmers of Sikkim due to which the cropping intensity of the state can be increased. He cited several examples of farmers who have already doubled their income by adopting the technologies transferred by the institute in collaboration with KVK, East Sikkim. Dr. Avasthe highlighted the impact of climate change in agriculture and spoke about the research work being carried out for development of climate resilient technologies. Dr. Avasthe and his team also presented various farmer friendly publications of the institute to the Hon’ble Governor.
Dr. K. Jayakumar, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Govt. of Sikkim also put forth his suggestions about development of a biodiversity cum demonstration park for the public to visit at Raj Bhavan and requested ICAR-NOFRI to assist them with technological interventions. He further stressed to adopt the concept of zero waste household for clean and green Sikkim.
Later, Hon’ble Governor also expressed his willingness to visit ICAR-NOFRI Research farm where he visited different sections of the farm and held detailed discussions with Scientists regarding their research trials. He expressed satisfaction and lauded Scientists for doing commendable work for the betterment of farming community of Sikkim. He appreciated the efforts put in by the ICAR-NOFRI team for the research work being carried out at their institute and also congratulated them for their hard work and tremendous efforts towards development of organic agriculture in the state.
Issued by
ICAR-NOFRI, Gangtok
