ICAR-KVK demonstrated organic package of practices of rajmash
Rajmash, the king of nutrition is traditionally grown as kharif pulse crop in Sikkim which has great potential to improve human health, conserve and enrich soils, protect the environment and extendsample scope to popularize the scientific organic rajmash cultivation technology in the state from which farmers can increase their production and productivity. KVK- East Sikkim, ICAR-NOFRI, Ranipool in convergence with ATMA East Sikkim, FSADD, Govt. of Sikkim initiated field demonstration programme on organic cultivation of Rajmash at Padamchey, East Pandam, East Sikkim on September 06, 2016. The programme was organized in the leadership of Dr. R. K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR-NOFRI, Tadong, Sikkim and supported by Programme Coordinator (I/c), KVK East Sikkim, Dr. Raghavendra Singh as a step forward to upscale the pulse crop productivity in state for self sufficiency and become self-reliant in organic seeds. Around 25 nos. of rajmash growers representative of Farm School on Organic Production of Rajmash attended the programme where they were given hands on practices with complete organic package of practices in farmers’ field in presence of Mr. Yogesh Gautam, BTM- Pakyong Block, ATMA East Sikkim and Mr. Sushant Sharma-VLEW, East Pandam.
Coordinating the programme Ms. Pallabi Phukan, SMS (Agril. Extension) of KVK, East Sikkim briefed on the importance of pulses in cropping sequence for higher profitability under changing climatic scenario as well as health benefits of rajmash.
Dr. J. K. Singh, SMS (Plant Breeding), KVK, East Sikkim highlighted quality seed production of rajmash crop which will empower the farming community through input support system for upliftment of their livelihood status.
Dr. N.J. Singh, SMS (Plant Protection) discussed about pests and diseases management strategies through various approaches under organic condition. He emphasized that the farmers should prefer preventive measures of insect pests’ management especially under organic farming systems and demonstrated organic cultivation of rajmash in the farmers’ field incorporating different organic nutrient sources.
Dr. P.K Pathak, SMS (Animal Science) interacted with the farmers and discussed the importance of livestock rearing and disease management of dairy animals for profitable dairy enterprise in organic agriculture. Vote of thanks was proposed by Shri T.B. Gurung.
Issued by ICAR – KVK East Sikkim
