ICAR-NOFRI Concludes 15-Day Training Program on Organic Farming for Krishi Sakhis of SRLM, RMDD, Government of Sikkim
ICAR-National Organic Farming Research Institute (ICAR-NOFRI), Tadong concluded15-dayTraining Program on ‘Organic Farming’ for the Krishi Sakhis of Sikkim Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM), Rural Management and Development Department (RMDD), Govt. of Sikkim on August 05, 2019. The program started on July 22, 2019. A total of 25 Krishi Sakhis from the East and North districts of Sikkim participated in the training program.
Shri Anil Raj Rai, Special Secretary, Rural Management and Development Department, Govt. of Sikkim was the Chief Guest during thevaledictory function. In his address, he said that Krishi Sakhis of RMDD are the symbol of women empowerment. After listening to the feedback of participants, he said that training program was very successful and appreciated the Joint Director and Scientists of ICAR-NOFRI for their sincere efforts in organizing the 15-day long training program. Hementioned that initially,marketing of organic produce was big problem, however, after construction of Kisan Bazar in Gangtok the problem has been largely resolved.He also briefed about various programs and activities undertaken by RMDD especially Swachh Bharat Mission activities. Chief Guest also distributed training certificates and extension folders to the trainees.
Shri PadamSubba, Director, Horticulture and Cash Crop Development Department (HCCDD), Govt. of Sikkim participated as Guest of Honour during the valedictory function. He appreciated and motivated Krishi Sakhisfor their ITKs in fermented plant extract for the management of pest and diseases in Sikkim and that participating in this kind of training program will certainly improve their learning and working abilities.He assured the full cooperation and support from HCCDD for the production of horticultural crops in Sikkim.
Earlier, Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR-NOFRI, in his addresshighlighted the relevance of this training program for Krishi Sakhis. He said that ICAR-NOFRI is playing important role in developing organic production technologies in Sikkim. He motivated the trainees to learn the organic farming technologies and work with dedication and become the ambassadors of ICAR-NOFRI and RMDD.He further assured full support of ICAR-NOFRI in management of problems in organic farming especially in livestock and poultry. He also said the trainees to keep actively interacting with the scientist of ICAR-NOFRI in future also.
Dr. Ashish Yadav, Senior Scientist (Horticulture) coordinated the program and welcomed all the dignitaries. He briefed about the various lectures, hands-on and other activities undertaken during 15-day training program including the field visit. Dr.Chandan Kapoor, Scientist (Plant Breeding) proposed vote of thanks. On behalf of all the trainees, Ms. NimChiki Sherpa and Ms. LakiDomaBhutia gave the feedback of training program and said that the training was well conducted and they have learned various organic production technologies which shall be very effective for them especially crop rotation with leguminous crops, mulching and green manuringetc. Shri S.M. Kandwal (Sr. Technical Officer) moderated the program.Mrs. Rajeni Pradhan,Mr. BandanChettri and Mr. Naveen Chand Yadav assisted actively in organizing the program.During the training program, all the trainees also visited the ICAR-NOFRI Research Farm and were briefed about the ongoing research and development activities. During field visits, trainees were taken to KVK, East Sikkim and ICAR-NOFRI adopted model villageThanka-Martam, East Sikkim.
Earlier, during the 15-day training program, trainees were detailed with ‘Concept of physico-chemical and microbiological properties of soil and it’s health’; ‘Organic nutrient management’; ‘Organic farming production standards’; ‘organic agronomic practices of major field crops’; ‘Organic production technologies of fruits especially Sikkim mandarin, kiwifruit and guava’; ‘Intensive organic vegetable production techniques under low cost plastic tunnels and rain shelters’; Organic production of red cherry pepper, ginger and turmeric’; ‘Organic large cardamom production and role of agro-forestry systems in organic farming’; ‘Organic pest and disease management in major crops of Sikkim’; ‘Nutrient deficiency symptoms in vegetables’; ‘Organic tuber crops production’; ‘Nursery raising techniques in organic crop production’; Importance of traditional horticultural crops in organic production system’; Postharvest management of horticultural crops’; ‘Commercial flower production under organic management’; ‘Backyard poultry and goat production and their role in organic farming’; ‘Agribusiness management in organic farming’; ‘Organic certification and traceability’; ‘Dairy cattle management techniques and their role in organic farming’; ‘Organic pig production techniques’; ‘Mechanization in horticultural crop production’; ‘Mushroom production techniques’; etc. Besides, hands on experience and practical demonstrations were also carried out for mushroom production technology, vermicomposting, plant propagation techniques, training and pruning of kiwifruit, preparations of biopesticides and biofungicides solutionsetc.
Issued by –ICAR-NOFRI, Gangtok
