ICAR-NOFRI Organized Training Program on Quality Organic Seed Production
A four-day Training program on “Quality Organic Seed Production in Agricultural and Horticultural Crops” was organized for the officers of Agriculture and Horticulture Departments, Govt. of Sikkim at ICAR-NOFRI, Tadong from March 25-28, 2019. A group of 14 participants from all the four districts participated in the training program and were imparted training on various aspects of organic seed and planting material production, its testing, seed certification and legislation, crop and nutrient management, pest and disease management and other topics related to seed production. The training was inaugurated by Sh. Khorlo Bhutia, Secretary, FS&ADD, Govt. of Sikkim, Chief Guest of the function and graced by Dr. P.P. Dabral, Dean, CAEPHT, CAU, Ranipool as the Guest of Honour. Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary stressed on the need to produce quality organic seed of various crops in the state and take measures to attain self sufficiency in certified seeds. He also highlighted that quality seed is a major input for increasing the crop productivity in Sikkim. Dr. Dabral emphasized on the need to strengthen post-harvesting operations for maintaining seed health and safe storage of seeds for quality seed to reach the farmers. Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Course Director & Joint Director, ICAR-NOFRI said that issue of quality organic seed production should be addressed on priority basis and there is an urgent need to strengthen seed system in the state to bridge the gap between seed availability and requirement. He also stressed on the need to have seed certification agency in the state to produce certified organic seed.
The subject experts from various departments delivered lectures on various topics viz., Agro-biodiversity of Sikkim by Dr. R.K. Avasthe; Seed testing and Organic Seed production by Dr. I. Meghachandra Singh on Organic seed production of various cereals, pulses and oilseeds by Dr. Chandan Kapoor; Improved agronomic practices for seed production by Dr. Raghavendra Singh; Production of quality planting material of spice crops by Dr. Matber Singh; Improved horticultural practices for raising quality organic seed by Dr. Ashish Yadav; Production of quality planting material of fruit crops by Dr. Sudip Kr Dutta; Soil nutrient management by Sh. Shaon Kr. Das; Pest and disease management by Dr. Chandrmani Raj and Quality spawn production by Dr. Shweta Singh. The trainees also made a field visit to research farm of ICAR-NOFRI and were demonstrated various technologies developed by the institute.
The valedictory program was chaired by Dr. P. Senthil Kumar, IFS, Commissioner, RMDD, Govt. of Sikkim. Speaking on the occasion Dr. Senthil Kumar congratulated ICAR-NOFRI for successfully conducting this training program. He stressed on the need to produce certified organic seed in the state itself and be self-dependent in organic seed. He also emphasized that seed is an input of prime importance and shall be given top priority for increasing productivity of the state. Guest of Honour, Sh. Padam Subba, Director, Horticulture, Govt. of Sikkim emphasized on the need of having quality seed for the welfare of the farmers. He advised the trainees and farmers to implement the knowledge gained in the training program at field level to strengthen our seed system. Dr. I. Meghachandra Singh, Joint Director (I/C), ICAR, Manipur centre briefed about various activities undertaken under seed project in NEH region. He said that capacity building of the officers and farmers in seed sector is necessary to strengthen local seed system in the state. A training manual on “Quality Organic Seed Production in Agricultural and Horticultural Crops” was also released by the Chief Guest on the occasion and training certificates were distributed to the participants.
The program ended with vote of thanks by Dr. Chandan Kapoor, Scientist, ICAR- NOFRI, Tadong.
Issued by: ICAR-NOFRI, Gangtok
