ICAR-NOFRI, Tadong Empowered Tribal Farmers of South Sikkim
The ICAR-National Organic Farming Research Institute (NOFRI), Tadong organized training of Progressive Farmers with ‘Technological Empowerment through Training and Input Support System’ on September 9th, 2016 at Ralap, Thasadundung GPU, East Sikkim under Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) in order to increase awareness and strengthen the progressive tribal farmers on organic crop production by dissemination of scientific knowledge along with input support system. During the program a total of 50 nos. of progressive farmers of Ralap, 42-Dundung Thasa GPU, East Sikkim representing different Self Help Groups (SHGs) 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 and shelters. Power point presentations were delivered to the farmers on scientific crop production technologies developed by ICAR-NOFRI for quick and easy learning of the techniques and farmers showed keen interest and appreciated the ICAR efforts.
Chief Guest of the program Dr. R. K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR appreciated the farmers for taking fervent interest on organic crop production and scientists of the institute for their efforts in organizing training programmes for the welfare of tribal farmers of East Sikkim. He highlighted the activities of the institute related to organic crop production and stressed upon the need of this training programme for further sustaining organic crop production and productivity in Sikkim 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. H. Kalita, Principal Scientist (Entomology) discussed the organic pest management in major field and horticultural crops of Sikkim. He stressed upon the importance of good agricultural practices to minimize pest incidence and that regular monitoring of farm is important for better management of insects and pathogens during their vulnerable stages in organic production systems.
Dr. Ashish Yadav, Senior Scientist (Horticulture) detailed the organic production techniques of major vegetable crops of Sikkim. He discussed about the intensive vegetable production techniques under low cost plastic tunnel and plastic rain shelters. Ginger being the commercial crop of the region, he also emphasized on the organic production techniques for quality production of ginger.
Dr. R. Gopi, Scientist, Senior Scale (Plant Pathology) shared the information on disease management in major field crops and commercial vegetables under organic production system. He emphasized the need of proper crop rotation to avoid diseases in different crops.
Shri Shaon Kr. Das, Scientist (Soil Science) briefed about the organic nutrient management techniques and importance of soil testing and its method of sampling and stressed on the need for proper management of soil acidity for balanced organic nutrients of crops and discussed about the biochar technology.
Dr. Rafiqul Islam, Senior 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.
Mr. Boniface Lepcha, Subject Matter Specialist, KVK Ranipool, coordinated the event and shared the information on vegetable nursery raising techniques of cole crops, tomato and capsicum. Farmers were also trained with skill development through quality vegetable nursery raising technology, which shall improve the livelihood of the farmers.
Shri Karma Dichen Bhutia, President FPO and General Secretary, SOM Steering Committee, appreciated and thanked whole heartedly for the efforts of ICAR-NOFRI for empowering the rural farmers through improved production technologies of different crops with critical input support system. He further motivated the rural youth to opt for agri-entrepreneurship as an option for self employment.
Ward Panchayat Member, Shri Bishal Mukhia thanked the Joint Director, ICAR-NOFRI, Tadong for organizing program and imparting knowledge regarding organic crop production and also for providing quality critical inputs to support them in organic production of high valued crops of the region.
Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR-NOFRI with farmers at Ralap, East Sikkim Joint Director, ICAR-NOFRI distributing input during the program
Joint Director, ICAR-NOFRI distributing input during the program at Ralap, East Sikkim
