ICAR-NOFRI Empowered Tribal Farmers of South Sikkim
The ICAR-National Organic Farming Research Institute (NOFRI), Tadong organized two-day ‘Training of Progressive Farmers with Technological Backstopping and Input Support System’ on August 5, 2016 at Bakhim and August 6, 2016 at Upper Jaubari, South Sikkim under the guidance of Dr. R. K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR-NOFRI in order to increase awareness and strengthen the progressive tribal farmers on organic crop production by dissemination of scientific knowledge along with input support under Tribal Sub Plan (TSP). During the program a total of 52 nos. of progressive farmers of Bakhim and 63 nos. of Upper Jaubari, Damthang GPU representing different Self Help Groups (SHGs) attended the program and benefited with the technical know-how and various inputs distributed viz., sprayers, organically permitted bio-pesticides, bio-fungicides, bio-fertilizers, untreated seeds, and plastic sheets for low cost plastic tunnels and shelters. Presentations on scientific crop production technologies developed by ICAR-NOFRI were delivered to the farmers for quick and easy learning of the techniques and farmers showed keen interest and appreciated the ICAR efforts.
Chief Guest of the program Dr. R. K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR appreciated the farmers for taking ardent interest in organic crop production and scientists of the institute for their efforts in organizing training programmes for the welfare of tribal farmers of South Sikkim. He highlighted the activities of the centre related to organic crop production and stressed upon the need of such training programmes after declaration of the state as fully organic farming. Joint Director also discussed the importance of soil and its management for sustainable production under organic conditions.
Dr. Ashish Yadav, Senior Scientist (Horticulture) detailed the organic production techniques of major horticultural crops of Sikkim and intensive vegetable production techniques under low cost plastic tunnel and plastic rain shelters. He highlighted that the vegetables are quick cash crops and hi-tech production of vegetable with low cost technologies is very profitable. Farmers were also given insight into scientific production technology of kiwifruit for qualitative and quantitative improvement.
Dr. Raghavendra Singh, Senior Scientist (Agronomy) shared the information on good agricultural practices under organic conditions. He detailed about the efficient climate resilient cropping system in rain-fed conditions of Sikkim to cope up with the changing climate of the region. He also discussed about conservation agriculture and its importance under organic farming.
Shri Shaon Kr. Das, Scientist (Soil Scientist) briefed about the organic nutrient management techniques and importance of soil testing and its method of sampling and stressed on the need for proper management of soil acidity for balanced organic nutrition of crops.
Dr. P. K. Pathak, SMS (LPM) KVK Ranipool also interacted with the farmers and suggested methods for maintaining the hygienic housing for dairy cattle along with the proper management of diseases prevalent in the region. He also discussed backyard poultry and piggery management techniques.
Mr. Boniface Lepcha, Subject Matter Specialist, KVK Ranipool, coordinated the event and shared the information on vegetable nursery raising techniques of cole crops, tomato, capsicum, and brinjal. Farmers were also trained with skill development in quality large cardamom nursery raising technology which shall improve the livelihood of the farmers. He also discussed about various organic diseases and pest management technologies.
Shri Karma Dichen Bhutia, President FPO and SOM Steering Committee Member, appreciated and wholeheartedly thanked ICAR-NOFRI for the efforts in empowering the rural farmers through improved production technologies of different crops with critical input support. He further motivated the rural young youth to opt for agri-entrepreneurship for self employment.
Zilla Member, Barfung Kewzing ZTC Smt. Diki Bhutia; Panchayat Member, Bakhim Ward Shri Lakpa Tarbu Sherpa; Ex-Zilla Panchayat, Barfung Kewzing ZTC Shri Pasang Sherpa, and Ex-Panchayat Mr. Mingma Tarbu Sherpa, Bakhim Ward were present in the programme on August 05, 2016 at Sherpa Bhawan, Bakhim. Similarly, Panchayat President, Smt. Laxmi Gurung, Panchayat Vice President Smt. Bina Limbu and Ward Panchayat Smt. Da Pema Sherpa were also present on August 06, 2016 at Gumpa, Upper Jaubari, Damthang. All of them thanked the Joint Director, ICAR-NOFRI, Tadong for organizing such programmes and imparting knowledge regarding organic crop production and also for providing critical quality input to support them in organic production of high value crops of the region. Furthermore, they requested ICAR to replicate these programmes in other villages during the critical period of the crop production in near future.
Released by ICAR-NOFRI
