ICAR KVK promotes Integrated Farming System (IFS) in East Sikkim.
Krishi Vigyan Kendra (ICAR Sikkim Centre), East Sikkim, Ranipool organized day long “Training programme of tribal farmers for integrated farming system through technological backstopping and input support” on December 15, 2015 at Timpyem village, East Sikkim. The programme was undertaken for the adoption of Integrated Farming System (Tribal Sub Plan) with the objective to enhance livelihood of resource poor in East Sikkim. Total 36 nos. of tribal progressive farmers of Timpyem village of East Sikkim participated in the program. Potato, Silpaulin (250 gsm) for Jalkund, oat for fodder (Kent) and other bio-pesticides and bio-fertilizers was distributed to the farmers.
The programme was chaired by Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre. Addressing the gathering he briefed on the importance of integrated farming system for organic farming. He stressed upon the integrated use of output of one component to others as input. He also encouraged the farmers to undertake production of quality seed and retain them for becoming self-dependent since treated seeds are banned in the state. He encouraged the farmers towards establishing the integrated farming system models as a source of organic inputs within the farm to reduce dependence on outside inputs. Later on, he visited the whole village and provided technical input to the progressive farmers for the enhancement of the productivity of farms.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Raghavendra Singh, Program Coordinator (I/c) and Senior Scientist (Agronomy), ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre briefed on the objectives of the integrated farming system in the village. He encouraged the farmers to implement the improved production technology of Rabi crops for sustainable farming and further detailed the value of vermicompost as source of organic nutrition to the crops in the state.
Dr. Ashish Yadav, Senior Scientist (Horticulture) briefed on package of practices of potato and cole crops. He emphasized on the relevance of potato and cole crops especially in integrated farming system in East Sikkim.
Shri Shaon Kumar Das, Scientist (Soil Science) highlighted the importance of integrated nutrient management in integrated farming system. In his deliberation he stressed on use of biofertilizers for potato and other Rabi season vegetable crops.
Dr. N. Johnson Singh, SMS (Plant Protection) detailed the major insect pests and diseases of potato and other Rabi crops in Sikkim conditions and their organic management practices.
Coordinating the programme, Shri Boniface Lepcha, SMS (Horticulture) briefed the farmers about improved production technology of Rabi vegetables which can empower the farming community and livelihood status. He also briefed the nursery management under low cost poly structure for quality vegetable seedlings production.
At the end of the programme he proposed the vote of thanks. Miss Meena Pradhan, SRF (NICRA), Miss Pratima Rai and Shri Rakesh Kumar, JRF (NMSHE) assisted in the smooth execution of the programme.
