ICAR-NOFRI organizes farmers–scientist’s interaction for promotion of pulses in Sikkim
ICAR-NOFRI, Sikkim has undertaken steps to strengthen the production and promotion of pulses in the International Year of Pulses in Sikkim. In order to promote production of pulses in Sikkim a series of programmes will be organized by the ICAR-NOFRI during kharif and rabi season at various locations in Sikkim. A Farmers’ - Scientists interaction was organized at Amba GPU on July 12, 2016 in which total 56 nos. of progressive farmers participated. Similar programme was organized at Bhasme village on July 08, 2016 in which total 66 nos. of progressive tribal farmers from East Pandam GPU participated. The second programme
The programme was chaired by Dr. R. K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR – NOFRI, Tadong. Addressing the gathering he detailed the importance of pulses in cropping sequence for higher profitability under changing climatic scenario. He encouraged the farmers to implement the improved production technology of kharif pulses for sustainable farming and further detailed the value of vermicompost as source of organic nutrition for the crops in the state. He urged the farmers towards establishing the sources of organic inputs within the farm to reduce dependence on external inputs and also to undertake production of quality seed to retain them for self-dependence since treated seeds are banned in the state. The farmers should keep some bio-pesticides at their residences so that the immediate needs of the crops may be fulfilled. He informed the farmers for utilizing their farm land by sowing of pahenlo dal (Green seeded urd bean) immediately after maize harvest which was normally kept fallow.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Raghavendra Singh, Program Coordinator (I/c) and Sr. Scientist (Agronomy) welcomed and highlighted the objectives of programme and briefed about the resource conservation techniques for Kharif crops. He also discussed the importance of pulses in cereal based cropping system especially for soil fertility improvement. He detailed the improved cultivation practices of pahenlo dal under conservation agriculture for enhancing the sustainability of the ecosystem.
Dr. Ashish Yadav, Sr. Scientist (Horticulture) discussed about the cultivation practices of year round vegetable cultivation under low cost plastic tunnel which can empower the farming community and strengthen their livelihood status in Sikkim.
Dr. R. Gopi, Scientist (Plant Pathology) detailed the major diseases of kharif crops in Sikkim conditions and their organic management practices. He urged the farmers to use organic inputs for managing the diseases in vegetables and other crops for increasing productivity.
Dr. Rafiqul Islam, Senior Scientist (Animal Reproduction) suggested methods for maintaining hygienic housing. It was suggested that night shelter should have good ventilation, adequate light and protection from predators.
Dr. N.J. Singh, SMS (Plant Protection) detailed the major insect pests of Kharif crops in Sikkim conditions and their organic management practices. He urged the farmers to use organic inputs for managing the insects in vegetables and other crops for increasing productivity.
Shri S.K. Das, Scientist (Soil Science) encouraged the farmers for proper organic nutrition in all the crops grown in the state. Farmers were given the overview of the activities that can be undertaken at their villages to meet nutrient requirements under organic condition. A brief discussion for livelihood improvement of villagers with the provision of improved technologies of agri-horti crops was also held.
Coordinating the programme, Shri Boniface Lepcha, SMS (Horticulture) briefed the farmers about improved production technology of kharif vegetables which can empower the farming community and livelihood status. He also briefed the nursery management under low cost poly structure for quality vegetable seedlings production. Dr. Janak Kumar Singh, SMS (Plant Breeding) highlighted the importance of quality seeds their conservation and multiplication to the gathering.
The programme was attended by Sh Phurba Lepcha, Panchayat President, Smt. Meena Chettri, Panchayat Vice-President (Amba GPU) and Shri Milan Adhikari, Panchayat Secretary (Amba, GPU), Ms. Binita Tamang, Panchayat Secretary and Shri Chawang Tamang, Panchayat Member (East Pandam GPU) actively organized and participated in the programme.
Issued by ICAR - NOFRI
