ICAR-NOFRI Trained Farmers and officials of North Cachar Hill Council, Assam and Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society on Organic Farming Techniques.
ICAR-National Organic Farming Research Institute (ICAR-NOFRI), Tadong successfully organized ‘3-day Training on Organic Farming for Officials and Progressive Farmers’ of Dima Hasao, Haflong, North Cachar Autonomous Council, Assam during June 24-26, 2019. A team of 15 progressive farmers and officers visited ICAR-NOFRI to get equipped with Organic Farming technologies. A team of 28 officials of Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society also attended a training program on Organic Farming organized by ICAR-NOFRI in collaboration with Sikkim State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation Ltd. (SIMFED) on June 27, 2019.
During the program, Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR-NOFRI highlighted the importance of organic farming and motivated the farmers and officials to adopt organic farming on large scale. He said that organic farming is the best option for safe and healthy food. He mentioned that implementation of organic farming will help in protection of environment and conservation of biodiversity. Joint Director further mentioned that for effective implementation of organic farming women empowerment is must. He also discussed in detail the concept of physico-chemical and microbiological properties of soil and soil health and nutrient management for organic crop production. Joint Directoralso distributed various ‘Extension Folders on Organic Production Technologies’ and certificates 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 both the training programs.
Shri Hiren Baro, Executive Engineer (Agri), Dima Hasao, Haflong, coordinated visit of farmers from Dima Hasao, Haflong. In his address, he mentioned that in Dima Hasao farmers mostly practicing shifting cultivation, however, now the focus is on integration of agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry. He also appreciated the Scientists’ efforts in making deliberations very simple for farmers.
Dr. Yashoda Pradhan, Ex-CEO, Sikkim State Organic Certification Agency, Govt. of Sikkim discussed in detail the ‘Organic Certification and Traceability’. She said that organic certification is essential to fetch premium price of the organic produce.
During the 03-day training program; Dr. Chandan Kapoor, Scientist SS (Plant Breeding) talked on ‘Seed production in organic farming’; Dr. Amit Kumar, Scientist (Agronomy) discussed about and conservation agricultural practices for field crop production’ and ‘Organic farming and organic production standards’; 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 ongoing research and development activities. Mrs. Rajeni Pradhan and Mr. Naveen Chand Yadav assisted actively in organizing the program.
Issued by – ICAR-NOFRI, Gangtok
