ICAR-KVK East Sikkim strengthens farmers through Input Support cum Animal Health Camp.
In order to strengthen the organic maize production among the farming community through farmers’ participatory mode, ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ranipool organized a Farmer’s Scientist Interaction cum input support programme on March 07, 2019 in presence of more than 39 farmers at Phenzong, East Sikkim, under MGMG programme. An improved maize variety RCM 1-1, plastic for construction of low cost poly tunnel, black poythene mulch, organic nutrients were distributed amongst the progressive farmers during the programme. ICAR-KVK, Ranipool also organized an Animal Health Camp cum awareness programme on the same day at Phenzong, Ranka of East Sikkim under the National Innovations on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) project. The main aim behind the animal health camp was to make farmers “aware about animal health as well as providing necessary treatment to their livestock”.
More than 43 farmers attended and received treatment for their livestock. This camp covered treatment of more than 35 cattle, 34 goats, 28 pigs and more than 160 poultry birds. The common disease problem of livestock was recorded during the health camp were parasitic infestation, digestive problems, debility, repeat breeding, anoestrus and mastitis. Besides, the health check-ups and treatment of livestock’s, several essential veterinary medicines including mineral mixtures and vitamins, liquid calcium supplements, anti-diarrheal, liver stimulants and stomachic powder were distributed among the farmers. The farmers were also demonstrated the application of pour on technology to reduce the parasitic infestation of livestock.
Dr. R. K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR-NOFRI, Tadong, Sikkim briefed the farmers about the importance of maize with diversification of its use through value addition and developing maize-based cropping sequences for increasing cropping intensity in the State which would help in doubling the farmers income. He also emphasized the importance of the livestock sector for livelihood security of farmers as well as sustainable organic agriculture in Sikkim.
The programme was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Raghavendra Singh, Sr. Scientist and Head (I/c) KVK, East Sikkim. He highlighted the main aim behind the input distribution programme cum animal health camp. He also made the farmers aware about the effect of climate change on agriculture and livestock production and the farmers were suggested to implement every possible technology for converting livestock farming into profitable venture. He added that mixed farming combining agriculture and livestock plays an important role in strengthening the overall rural economy of Sikkim.
Dr. P.K. Pathak (SMS-Animal Sc.), Mr. Boniface Lepcha (SMS-Horticulture), Dr. J.K. Singh (SMS-Plant Breeding), Dr. Manoj Kumar (SMS-Agronomy), Dr. Mukesh Bhatt (Scientist- Veterinary Public Health) and Dr. Amit Kumar (Scientist- Agronomy) interacted with the farmers to share their expertise on the improved production technologies of kharif crops and livestock disease management to enhance the production and productivity of agriculture farming in the village. The animal health camp was successfully conducted by Dr. P.K. Pathak and Dr. Mukesh Bhatt. Sri Pem Tshering Lepcha, Panchayat of Phenzong, Ranka expressed his happiness towards the endeavours putforth by ICAR-KVK with different agricultural technologies in the village. He further assured better cooperation on behalf of the farmers towards the organization through development of other agricultural activities for the welfare of the farming community.
Issued by: Joint Director, ICAR-NOFRI, Tadong, Gangtok
