ICAR-NOFRI Holds State Level Research Advisory Committee Meeting

ICAR-National Organic Farming Research Institute, Tadong, Sikkim has been working in close association with state line department’s and farmers for timely dissemination of scientific knowledge and technological backup to develop self-reliance in organic agriculture production in the state. To create a common platform for effective interaction between the researchers and users, ICAR –NOFRI, Sikkim held State Level Reseach Advisory Committee meeting on June 23, 2016. The meeting was chaired by Dr. H. K. Chettri, Principal Director, AHLF&VS, Govt. of Sikkim. The other dignitaries from state and other departments present on the occasion were Dr. S. L. Dorjee, Director, SAMETI; Sh. K. T. Bhutia, Additional Director (Vegetable); Sh. M. K. Pradhan, Addl. Executive Director, Sikkim Organic Mission, Dr. K. C. Bhutia, Additional Director, AHLF&VS; Dr. B. M. Chettri, Joint Director, AHLF&VS; Smt. Usha Lachungpa, Principal Research Officer, FEWMD, Dr. Sunil Thorat, In-charge, Regional Station IBSD; Dr. D. K. Agarwal, Scientist Incharge, BSI; Dr. Laxuman Sharma, Associate Professor and Head, Dept. of Horticulture, Sikkim University; Smt. Sushma Pradhan, ADO, FS&ADD, Govt. of Sikkim.

Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR Sikkim Centre, welcomed all the dignitaries and presented the overall research and extension activities of ICAR-NOFRI, Tadong, Sikkim. He emhasized the need for intensive research programs including agriculture, horticulture and livestock components. He asked the diginitaries for their valuable suggestions, which will help in developing the roadmap for the future research and development programs.

Dr. H. K. Chettri, Principal Director, AHLF&VS, Govt. of Sikkim, during his inaugural speech, applauded the role of ICAR in Sikkim for better cooperation and collaborative programs. He suggested that there is need for integrated farming systems with at least two production systems including agriculture/horticulture and animal husbandry at village cluster level. He further suggested that there is need to develop programs for poultry  production also in Sikkim. 

Sh. K. T. Bhutia, Additional Director (Vegetable), in his address stressed to develop some farmers’ friendly economically viable technology for sustainable production of vegetables in the farmer’s field. He also placed emphasis on vegetable seed production since there is total restriction of use of treated seeds in organic farming and Sikkim is fully organic farming state. He also focused on the importance of high quality organic seed production in Sikkim. 

Sh. M. K. Pradhan, Additional Executive Director, SOM, complimented the entire team of ICAR Sikkim Centre for playing pivotal role in development of organic crop technology which had led to an increase in production of fresh vegetables, fruits, milk and meat. He further raised the concerns of farmers regarding organic disease and pest management in agricultural and horticultural crops.

During the technical session, Dr. H. Kalita, Principal Scientist (Entomology); Dr. Ashish Yadav, Senior Scientist (Horticulture); Dr. Raghavendra Singh, Sr. Scientist (Agronomy); Dr. Radiqul Islam, Sr. Scientist (Animal Reproduction), Dr. Matber Singh Scientist SS (Agroforestry) and Shri Shaon K. Das, Scientist (Soil Science) presented their respective salient achievements and researchable issues to the august gathering. There was lively interaction between the state officials and ICAR scientists for the development of future R&D roadmap for Sikkim.

In the end Dr. H. Kalita, Principal Scientist (Entomology) and Member Secretary, ICAR-NOFRI State Level Research Advisory Committee, proposed vote of thanks.

Dr.R.K.Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR-NOFRI, Tadong, Sikkim addressed the dignitaries and august gathering Dr.H. K.Chettri, Principal  Director, AHLF&VS, Govt. of Sikkim,  inaugurated the programme through lighting of lamp
Dr. H. K. Chettri, Principal  Director, AHLF&VS, Govt. of Sikkim,  addressed the dignitaries and august gathering Dr. H. Kalita, Principal Scientist (Entomology), Member Secretary of State Level Research Advisory Committee, ICAR-NOFRI proposed vote of thanks.

 

Issued by ICAR-NOFRI, Gangtok