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ICAR-National Organic Farming Research Institute (ICAR-NOFRI), Tadong successfully organized “3-day Training on Organic Farming for Farmers and Officers of Andaman and Nicobar Islands during March 11-13, 2019. A team of 15 nos. of progressive farmers and officers visited ICAR-NOFRI to get acquainted with Organic Farming technologies.

During the program, Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR-NOFRI highlighted the importance of organic farming and motivated the farmers and officers Andaman and Nicobar Islands to adopt organic farming on large scale. He said that Andaman and Nicobar is tourist place and adoption of organic farming is the best option for promotion of agro-eco tourism. He mentioned that implementation of organic farming will help in protection of environment and conservation of biodiversity. He also discussed in detail the concept of physico-chemical and microbiological properties of soil and soil health management for organic crop production. Joint Director also distributed certificates and various ‘Extension Folders on Organic Production Technologies’ to the trainees.

Dr. Ashish Yadav, Senior Scientist (Horticulture) welcomed all the trainees and briefed about the various skill development activities undertaken by ICAR-NOFRI. Dr. Yadav discussed the ‘Organic fruit production techniques; and ‘Organic high value vegetable production techniques’. He also coordinated the 3-day training program.

Shri P.S. Prasad, Assistant Director (Agriculture), Rangat, Andaman and Nicobar coordinated visit of farmers from Andaman and Nicobar. In his address, he mentioned that Nicobar District is completely organic and farmers are focusing on integration of agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry and fisheries. He also appreciated the Scientists efforts in making talks very simple for farmers.

During the 03-day training program; Dr. Raghavendra Singh,Senior Scientist (Agronomy) discussed about and conservation agricultural practices for field crop production’ and ‘Organic farming and organic production standards’; Dr. Chandan Kapoor, Scientist SS (Plant Breeding)talked on ‘Seed production in organic farming’; Shri Shaon K. Das, Scientist (Soil Science) deliberated on ‘Modern techniques for organic nutrient management and soil sampling procedures’;Dr. Sudip Kumar Dutta, Scientist SS (Horticulture) briefed on ‘Organic production of tuber crops; Dr. Matber Singh, Scientist SS (Agroforestry) discussed the ‘Role of agroforestry for enhancement of crop production in organic farming’; Dr. Chandramani Raj, Scientist (Plant Pathology) talked on ‘Insect pest management in organic production system’;Dr. Shweta Singh, Scientist (Plant Pathology) talked on ‘Organic oyster mushroom production techniques’ and ‘Disease management in organic production system’;and Dr. Rafiqul Islam,Principal Scientist, (Animal Reproduction) 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 on-going research and development activities. Giving the feedback of the program, Shri Bishnu Pada Biswas, Shri Abdul Karim, Shri Reepan Nandi, and Mrs. Seema Baroi, Progressive Farmers of Andaman and Nicobar appreciated ICAR-NOFRI efforts in organizing the training program. Shri Daniel Antony, Junior Agriculture Assistant, also mentioned that Neil Island is important tourist place and farmers are slowly converting into organic. Since organic manures are bulky in nature, they are adopting bio-decomposers to reduce the load of manures. During valedictory program, Dr. Chandan Kapoor, Scientist SS (Plant Breeding) proposed the vote of thanks and Shri S.M. Kandwal, Sr. Technical Officer moderated the program. Mrs. Rajeni Pradhan, Mr. Bandhan Chettri, Mr. Naveen Chand Yadav and Ms. Reeni Pradhan assisted actively in organizing the program.

   
   
   

Issued by – ICAR-NOFRI, Gangtok