ICAR-NOFRI Outfitted Two Teams of Maharashtra with Organic Farming.
ICAR-National Organic Farming Research Institute (ICAR-NOFRI), Tadong successfully organized “3-day Interstate Training on Organic Farming and its Opportunities in Agribusiness” for Extension Officials (12 No.) of Chandrapur, Government of Maharashtra and progressive farmers (28 No.) of Ramtek, Nagpur, Maharashtra during January 28-30, 2019 in collaboration with ATMA, Chandrapur, Government of Maharashtra and ATMA Ramtek, Nagpur, Government of Maharashtra. A total of 40 participants visited ICAR-NOFRI to get equipped with Organic Farming Opportunities in Agribusiness.
During the program interacting with the Maharashtra team, Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR-NOFRI highlighted the relevance of this training program for promoting the organic farming systems. He said that organic farming is a big challenge and we have to work hard to sustain the production and productivity. He further said that we would look forward for long term association with Maharashtra people in organizing more training programs of such kind.
Dr. Ashish Yadav, Senior Scientist (Horticulture) coordinated the 03-day training program, and welcomed all the participants and briefed about the various talks and activities undertaken during the training program. He detailed on the ‘Organic fruit production techniques; and ‘Organic vegetable production techniques’.
Dr. Yashoda Pradhan, Ex-CEO, Sikkim State Organic Certification Agency, Govt. of Sikkim discussed in details about the ‘Organic certification and traceability’. She said that organic certification is must to fetch premium price of the organic produce.
During the 03-day training program; Dr. Raghavendra Singh Senior Scientist (Agronomy) discussed about ‘Organic farming and organic production standards’ and Organic conservation agricultural practices for field crop production’; Dr. Chandan Kapoor, Scientist SS (Plant Breeding) detailed on ‘Seed production technology under organic farming’; Dr. Matber Singh, Scientist SS (Agroforestry) talked on role of agroforestry for enhancement of crop production in organic farming’; Shri Shaon K. Das, Scientist (Soil Science) deliberated on ‘Modern techniques for organic nutrient management and soil sampling procedures’ and ‘Concept of physico-chemical and microbiological properties of soil and soil health management for organic crop production’; Dr. Chandramani Raj, Scientist (Plant Pathology) talked on ‘Insect pest management in organic production system; Dr. Sudip Kumar Dutta, Scientist SS (Horticulture) briefed on ‘Organic production of tuber crop and ‘Plant propagation methods in organic farming’; Dr. Shweta Singh, Scientist (Plant Pathology) talked on ‘Organic oyster mushroom production techniques’ and ‘Disease management in organic production system’ and Dr. P.K. Pathak, SMS (Animal Husbandry), KVK East Sikkim discussed the ‘Dairy, backyard poultry and goat management techniques and their role in organic farming’.
During the training program, all the members also visited the ICAR-NOFRI Research Farm and were briefed about the ongoing research and development activities. ‘Extension Folders on Organic Production Technologies’ and certificates were also distributed to the trainees.
Giving the feedback of the program, Shri Ravindra Manohare, Deputy Project Director, ATMA Chandrapur, Govt. of Maharashtra said that program was well organized and the training contains all possible details of organic farming techniques. He also mentioned that in Chandrapur District 57 groups comprises of 2850 farmers are doing organic farming in 1000 hectare area. Shri J.V. Kawde, Block Technology Manager, ATMA Chandrapur and Shri Rajesh R. Donode, Block Technology Manager, ATMA Ramtek, Nagpur coordinated the Extension Officials and progressive farmers visit from Maharashtra, respectively. Rajesh Donode told that farmers of Ramtek, Nagpur are cultivating black rice organically and is selling @ Rs. 300/- per kg. All the participants well appreciated the training program and thanked ICAR Team for their efforts. During valedictory program, Dr. Matber Singh, Scientist SS (Agroforestry) proposed the vote of thanks and Shri S.M. Kandwal (Sr. Technical Officer) moderated the program. Mrs. Rajeni Pradhan, Mr. Bandhan Chettri and Ms. Reeni Pradhan assisted actively in organizing the program.
Issued by – ICAR-NOFRI, Gangtok
