ICAR Empowers Tribal Farmers of South Sikkim Through Technological Backstopping and Input Support
The ICAR Sikkim Centre organized two training programs on May 10 and 11, 2016 at Salghari GPU and Poklok GPU, South Sikkim under Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) in order to strengthen tribal farmer’s capacity by dissemination of scientific knowledge and input support. During the programs, a total of 130 progressive farmers of South Sikkim participated and benefitted with the technical know how and various necessary inputs like spray machines, organic pesticides (neem oil, copper oxychloride etc), vermibed sets, biofertilizers, neem cake, polythene for mushroom production and untreated seeds of various kharif vegetables were distributed among the farmers comprising more than 12 different self help groups (SHGs) of both Salghari and Poklok GPU of South Sikkim. In the inaugural session of both the programs, Dr. R. K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR Sikkim Centre briefed about the activities of the Centre and the technologies developed for the benefit of the farmers in the presence of Ms Dhan Kumari Manger, President and Jas Bahadur Rai, Secretary, Salghari Gram Panchayat Unit on 10th May, 2016 and Sh. Baby Mukhia, BDO, Sh. C. P. Rai, Zilla Panchayat, Sh. Gyalpo Lepcha, President, Ms Mira Rai, Vice President, Sh. B. B. Sharma, Secretary, 34-Poklok-Denchong Gram Panchayat, South Sikkim on 11th May, 2016, respectively.
In the technical session farmers were trained through power point presentation. Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR Sikkim Centre stressed on increasing the cropping intensity by following the technologies developed by ICAR Sikkim Centre for livelihood improvement. He emphasized on the importance of soil testing for balanced nutrition of crops and adoption of integrated farming system including livestock components. He also stressed on year round vegetables cultivation utilizing low cost plastic tunnel and rain shelter. Joint Director also distributed the inputs to the farmers.
Dr. H. Kalita, Principal Scientist (Entomology) discussed the organic pest management in major crops of South Sikkim. He stressed upon the importance of regular visit and proper monitoring of farm in organic production systems for better management of insect pests. He also briefed about the insect management in organic cultivation of different crops.
Dr. Ashish Yadav, Senior Scientist (Horticulture) detailed the organic production technologies for intensive vegetable production under low cost plastic tunnels and rain shelters, which provide opportunities to grow at least 14 different types of vegetables under different climatic conditions. He also briefed about organic fruit production technology.
Dr. R. Gopi, Scientist (Sr Scale) (Plant Pathology), talked about the use of different organic based formulations for managing the diseases in crops. He also stressed on the importance of Trichoderma viride and Pseudomonas fluorescens for organic disease management in farmer’s field.
Dr. R. Islam, Sr. Scientist (Animal Reproduction) also interacted with the farmers and briefed about importance of livestock in organic agriculture and suggested methods for scientific dairy, goat and pig farming. He also discussed backyard poultry management techniques.
Mr. Shaon Kumar Das talked on organic nutrient management and method of soil sample collection techniques.
Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR Sikkim Centre Addressing the Progressive Farmers of Salghari GPU, South Sikkim
Training and input distribution at Salghari GPU
Joint Director, ICAR distributing addressing the Progressive Farmers of Poklok GPU, South Sikkim
Training and input distribution at Poklok GPU
