ICAR-NOFRI Trained Maharashtra Officials on Organic Farming Technologies.
ICAR-National Organic Farming Research Institute (ICAR-NOFRI), Tadong successfully organized“5-day Inter State Training on Organic Farming Technologies, Best Practices and Marketing” for Faculties of VANAMATI, RAMETI and Officials of Department of Agriculture, Government of Maharashtra during June 17-21, 2019 in collaboration with Vasantrao Naik Agriculture Extension Management Training Institute (VANAMATI), Nagpur, Maharashtra. A team of 26officers visited ICAR-NOFRI to get equipped with Organic Farming technologies.
During the program, 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. Organic farming needs passion to proceed further and transfer of technologies in very efficient manner is very important for sustaining the production in organic farming. He also discussed in detail the concept of physico-chemical and microbiological properties of soil and soil health management for organic crop production. He further said that we would look forward for long term association with people of Maharashtra in organizing more such training programs. Joint Director also distributed various ‘Extension Folders on Organic Production Technologies’ and certificates to the trainees.
Shri Ravindra Thakare, IAS and Director VANAMATI, in his address said the Maharashtra team was very keen to learn organic farming technologies and they were willing to formulate organic farming policies for Government of Maharashtra for systematically extending area under organic farming. He further said that there are plenty of organic farming technologies available but in scattered manner which need to be consolidated for further promotion.
In his address, Shri Ravindra Bhosale, Joint Director Agriculture, Government of Maharashtra mentioned that organic farming is being practiced in Maharashtra for long time but they are willing to move further with proper planning. The agro-ecological conditions of Sikkim and Maharashtra are entirely different; however, determination to go with organic farming is common factor. He also mentioned that barren land should be converted first in to organic farming.
Dr. Ashish Yadav, Senior Scientist (Horticulture) coordinated the 05-day training program and briefed about the various talks and activities undertaken during 05-day training program. He also detailed on the ‘Organic fruit production techniques; and ‘Organic vegetable production techniques’.
Earlier, Dr. Rafiqul Islam, Principal Scientist (ARG) welcomed all the participants and Dr. Raghavendra Singh, Senior Scientist (Agronomy) proposed vote of thanks. Dr. Chandan Kapoor, Scientist SS (Plant Breeding) moderated the inaugural and valedictory program.
During the 05-day training program,; Dr. Raghavendra Singh discussed about ‘Organic farming and organic production standards’ and Organic conservation agricultural practices for field 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; Dr. Chandan Kapoor, Scientist (Plant Breeding) detailed on ‘Seed production technology under organic farming’; Dr. Shweta Singh, Scientist (Plant Pathology) talked on ‘Organic oyster mushroom production techniques’ and ‘Disease management in organic production system’. Dr. Rafiqul Islam,Principal Scientist, (Animal Reproduction) discussed the ‘Dairy, backyard poultry and goat management techniques and their role in organic farming’; Dr. Mukesh Bhatt, Scientist (Veterinary Microbiology) discussed the ‘Health Management of Livestock’; Shri Sudhir Giri, Quality Manager, Sikkim State Organic Certification Agency, Govt. of Sikkim discussed the ‘Organic certification and traceability’; and Dr. Manesh Choubey, Professor, Sikkim University, talked on ‘Agribusiness opportunities in organics and marketing strategies for organic products’.
During the training program, all the members also visited the ICAR-NOFRI Research Farm and were briefed about the ongoing research and development activities. Giving the feedback of the program, Shri Shilanath Pawar, TAO, Peth, Nasik said that program was well organized and the training contained all possible details of organic farming techniques. He also appreciated the efforts of all the Scientists for their talks. During field visit, team visited Timpyem and Thanka Villages. Mr. Naveen Chand Yadav, Mr. Bandan Chettri, Mrs. Rajeni Pradhan, Ms. Reeni Pradhan, Mr. Ezikeil Khawas and Mr. Gagan Gurung assisted actively in organizing the program.
Issued by – ICAR-NOFRI, Gangtok
