ICAR-NOFRI Organized Skill Development Program for High Altitude Tribal Farmers of North Sikkim

Basar, 27th September, 2016

ICAR-National Organic Farming Research Institute (NOFRI), Tadong, Gangtok organized three-day ‘Skill Development cum Input Distribution Program on Livelihood Security through Organic Vegetable Cultivation under Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) and National Mission for Sustaining Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) for the progressive high altitude tribal farmers of Nam-Panang (1600 m amsl), Lachen (2700 m amsl) and Thangu (4240 m amsl) areas of North Sikkim during October 3-6, 2016 in order to increase awareness and strengthen the progressive tribal farmers on organic vegetable production by dissemination of scientific knowledge along with input support system. During the program a total of 125 nos. of  progressive farmers attended the program and benefited with the technical know-how and various inputs distributed viz., sprayers, organically permitted bio-pesticides, bio-fungicides, bio-fertilizers, untreated seeds, and plastic sheets for low cost plastic tunnels. Interactive discussions were held with the farmers on scientific vegetable production technologies developed by ICAR-NOFRI for quick and easy transfer of the technologies; farmers showed keen interest and appreciated the efforts of ICAR.
 
Chief Guest of the program Dr. R. K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR-NOFRI appreciated the farmers for taking keen interest on organic vegetable production and scientists of the institute for their efforts in organizing skill development programs for the welfare of tribal farmers of North Sikkim. He highlighted the activities of the institute related to organic crop production and stressed upon the need of more skill development programs for further sustaining the livelihood security of tribal farmers under changing climatic conditions. Joint Director also discussed the importance of soil and its management for sustainable production under organic conditions through conservation agriculture.

Dr. Ashish Yadav, Senior Scientist (Horticulture) detailed the organic production techniques of major vegetable crops growing in North Sikkim viz., cole crops, pea, potato, leafy and root vegetables. He also discussed about the intensive vegetable production techniques under low cost plastic tunnels and greenhouse.

Dr. Raghavendra Singh, Senior Scientist (Agronomy) shared the information on good agricultural practices under organic conditions.  He detailed about the efficient climate resilient cropping system in rainfed conditions of Sikkim to cope up with the changing climate of the region. He also discussed about the conservation agriculture and its importance under organic farming.

Dr. R. Gopi, Scientist-Senior Scale (Plant Pathology) shared the information on pest and disease management in major vegetable crops under organic production system. He emphasized the need for proper crop rotation and regular monitoring to avoid pest and diseases in different crops. 
Shri Shaon Kumar Das, Scientist (Soil Science) briefed about the organic nutrient management techniques and importance of soil testing and method of soil sampling and stressed on the need for proper management of soil acidity for balanced organic nutrients of crops.

Dr. Brijesh Kumar, Scientist (Animal Reproduction) interacted with the farmers and suggested methods for maintaining the hygienic housing for dairy cattle along with the proper management of diseases prevalent in the region. He also discussed backyard poultry and piggery management techniques.

Shri Palzor Lachenpa, Pipon, Dzumsa Lachen; Shri Pemchoda Lachenpa, Head Lama; Shri Regong Lachenpa, Executive Member; Shri Boom Lachenpa, Executive Member, Dzumsa Lachen were present during the program at Lachen and Thangu. Shri Choda Lepcha, Zilla Panchayat; Smt. Pema Lhamu Lepcha, Panchayat President, Leek; Shri Ugen Lepcha, Panchayat Secretary, Passingdang; Shri Nima Tshering, Panchayat President, Saffo-Liching; Ms. Pasang Doma Lepcha, Panchayat Vice President, Nam-Panang were present during the program at Nam-Panang. Pipon, Dzumsa Lachen and Zilla Panchayat, Passingdang whole-heartedly thanked the ICAR-NOFRI for the efforts in empowering the rural tribal farmers of remote areas of North Sikkim through skill development and critical input support.

Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR-NOFRI addressing the farmers at Lachen,North Sikkim in presence of Shri Palzor Lachenpa, Pipon, Dzumsa Lachen Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR-NOFRI distributing input during the program at Niam-Panang, North Sikkim

Joint Director, ICAR-NOFRI distributing input during the program at Thangu, North Sikkim