ICAR-NOFRI Outfitted Maharashtra Team with Organic Farming Opportunities in Agribusiness
ICAR-National Organic Farming Research Institute (ICAR-NOFRI), Tadong successfully organized “5-day Training of Trainers on Organic Farming and its Opportunities in Agribusiness” for Officers of Agriculture Department, Government of Maharashtra during September 24-28, 2018 in collaboration with Vasantrao Naik Agriculture Extension Management Training Institute (VANAMATI), Nagpur, Maharashtra under Maharashtra Agricultural Competitiveness Project. A team of 25 officers visited ICAR-NOFRI to get equipped with Organic Farming Opportunities in Agribusiness.
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. He also discussed in detail the concept of physico-chemical and microbiological properties of soil and soil health management for organic crop production. He emphasized that if soil is depleted in nutrients then crops will also be poor with nutrients. He further said that we would look forward for long term association with Maharashtra people in organizing more training programs of such kind. Joint Director also distributed various ‘Extension Folders on Organic Production Technologies’ and certificates to the trainees.
Dr. Ashish Yadav, Senior Scientist (Horticulture) coordinated the 05-day training program, and welcomed all the participants and briefed about the various talks and activities undertaken during 05-day training program. He detailed on the ‘Organic fruit production techniques; and ‘Organic vegetable production techniques’.
Dr. Yashoda Pradhan, Ex-CEO, Sikkim State Organic Certification Agency, Govt. of Sikkim discussed in details about the ‘Organic certification and traceability’. She said that organic certification is must to fetch premium price of the organic produce.
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’; Shri Shaon K. Das, Scientist (Soil Science) deliberated on ‘Modern techniques for organic nutrient management and soil sampling procedures’; 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. A. Anuradha Devi, Assistant Professor, CAU-CAEPHT, Ranipool 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 Anil Bansode, Joint Director, ATMA, Pune said that program was well organized and the training contains all possible details of organic farming techniques. Shri Balwant Dhumal, Nodal Officer Agriculture, MACP, Pune said that organic farming will be starting in six districts of Maharashtra in the first phase and later on it will extended to other districts. During valedictory program, Dr. Chandan Kapoor, Scientist (Plant Breeding) proposed the vote of thanks and Shri S.M. Kandwal (Sr. Technical Officer) moderated the program. Ms. Rajeni Pradhan, Ms. Zangmit Lepcha and Ms. Reeni Pradhan assisted actively in organizing the program.
Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director ICAR-NOFRI along with Scientists and Trainees
Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director ICAR-NOFRI distributing Certificates to the Trainees
Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director ICAR-NOFRI Addressing the Trainees
Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director ICAR-NOFRI along with Scientists and Trainees
