ICAR-NOFRI organized three-day training programme on Organic Farming for progressive farmers of Sikkim
ICAR-NOFRI, Tadong, Sikkim conducted three day training programme on Organic Farming for the farmers of Sikkim during March 25-27, 2019 at Conference Hall, ICAR- NOFRI with an objective to transfer improved technologies of organic farming to the farmers of Sikkim. A total of 26 nos. of progressive farmers from Thanka Martam, Yangthang, Assam Lingzey and Saurini villages of East Sikkim participated and learned the organic farming technologies. The training was inaugurated by Shri Khorlo Bhutia, Secretary, FSADD, Govt. of Sikkim as the Chief Guest and Dr P. P. Dabral, Dean CAEPHT, Ranipool as the Guest of Honour.
The programme was chaired by Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR-National Organic Farming Research Institute, Tadong. He encouraged the farmers to undertake improved technologies of organic farming in larger area to enhance the production and productivity of organic crops in the state as well as to improve the soil health. He also urged the farmers to adopt the different scientific agricultural technologies to achieve the goal of doubling the farmers' income.
The programme was initiated with the welcome address given by Dr. Raghavendra Singh, Sr. Scientist (Agronomy). He briefed the aim and objectives organic farming and organic production standards for enhancing the doubling the farmers’ income by 2022.
In three day-long training programme, all the scientists of the Institute delivered the lectures regarding organic farming techniques, production and productivity on different vegetable and agricultural crops. Dr. Ashish Yadav, Sr. Scientist (Horticulture) talked about scientific cultivation of high value horticultural crops. Dr. Chandan Kapoor, Scientist (Plant Breeding) emphasized on organic seed production of different cereal and pulse crops. Dr. Chandramani Raj, Scientist (Plant Pathology) highlighted in his speech about the organic pest and disease control measures of food grain and vegetable crops. Dr. Rafiqul Islam, Principal Scientist (Animal Reproduction) highlighted the livestock production and their role in organic farming.
Coordinating the programme Dr. J. K. Singh, SMS (Plant Breeding) briefed on quality seed production of pulse crops which will empower the farming community through input support system for upliftment of their livelihood status. He also elaborated to the farmers on the importance of quality seeds and retaining them for becoming self-dependent in organic farming by saving seeds for the next season. Shri Boniface Lepcha, SMS (Horticulture), KVK East Sikkim briefed on rabi vegetable crops production and interacted with farmers for their technical problems of low production and productivity from the farming system under organic condition and also emphasized upon the scientific nursery raising technology for successful vegetables production. Shri Manoj Kumar, SMS (Agronomy) briefed about the climate resilient maize based cropping systems for Sikkim Himalaya.
Dr P. Senthil Kumar, IFS, Commissioner, RMDD, Govt. of Sikkim distributed the certificates as the Chief Guest during the valedictory session in the presence of Shri Padam Subba, Director (Horticulture), Govt. of Sikkim. Dr I. M. Singh, Joint Director, ICAR Manipur was also present in the closing session. At the end of the programme farmers were facilitated with certificate and Dr. Chandan Kapoor, Scientist (Plant Breeding) proposed the vote of thanks. Mr. Puscal Sharma, Mr Ezekiel Khawas, Mr. Ajeet Pal, Ms. Guddu Rai and Ms. Sita Kumari Prasad were also present and assisted in the smooth execution of the programme.
Issued by: ICAR-NOFRI, Tadong Sikkim
