ICAR-NOFRI Organized 15-Day Refresher Training Program for Horticultural Functionaries On Organic Production Of Horticultural Crops
ICAR-National Organic Farming Research Institute (NOFRI), Tadong organized 15-day Refresher Training Program on ‘Organic Production of Horticultural Crops in Sikkim’ for the horticultural functionaries of Horticulture and Cash Crop Development Department, Govt. of Sikkim during April 04-18, 2018 in order to update the latest organic production technologies and rapid transfer of ICAR-NOFRI technologies to the grass root level. A total of 16 horticultural functionaries from all the four districts of Sikkim participated in the refresher training program. The program was sponsored by Horticulture and Cash Crop Development Department, Govt. of Sikkim under Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture scheme.
Shri D.K. Bhandari, Director, Horticulture and Cash Crop Development Department, Govt. of Sikkim was the Chief Guest in the inaugural function on April 04, 2018. In his address, he appreciated the Joint Director and Scientists of ICAR-NOFRI for their sincere efforts in organizing the 15-day refresher training program for horticulture functionaries and need based research in organic production system. He said that Sikkim state is dependent on ICAR for organic production technologies and this kind of training for horticulture functionaries shall help the farmers at the grass root level to increase the production and productivity of organic horticultural crops in Sikkim. Shri Padam Subba, Additional Director, Horticulture and Cash Crop Development Department, Govt. of Sikkim also graced the inaugural function as Guest of Honour.
Ms. Anita Thapa, Additional Director (HRD), Horticulture and Cash Crop Development Department, Govt. of Sikkim was Chief Guest during valedictory program. In her address, she appreciated ICAR-NOFRI efforts in Research and Development and rapid transferring of technologies through various training programs. She also requested ICAR to organize more training programs for field functionaries in the near future to sustain the organic horticulture production system. She also distributed ‘Technology Compendium on Organic Production of Horticultural Crops in Sikkim’ and certificates to the trainees.
Earlier, Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR-NOFRI warmly welcomed the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour and all the trainees participating in the training program. He highlighted the relevance of this training in relation to climate change and its impact on agriculture, horticultural crops and stressed that the trainees to implement the ICAR-NOFRI improved production technologies of different crops at farmer’s field for sustainable farming in the State. He also motivated the trainees to work with dedication and discipline for success in their career and achieving departmental goals.
Dr. Ashish Yadav, Senior Scientist (Horticulture) coordinated the program and welcomed all the dignitaries and briefed about the various talks and activities undertaken during 15-day training program. Dr. Rafiqul Islam, Principal Scientist (Animal Reproduction) motivated the participants to implement the learned techniques at farmers field. Shri T.T. Bhutia, Senior Scientist and Head KVK, North Sikkim in his address emphasized that ICAR is good institute to learn about scientific organic production technologies. Dr. Raghavendra Singh, Senior Scientist (Agronomy) proposed the vote of thanks. Shri S.M. Kandwal (Sr. Technical Officer) moderated the program.
During the 15-day training program, trainees were detailed with ‘Concept of physico-chemical and microbiological properties of soil and it’s health’; ‘Organic nutrient management’; ‘Organic farming production standards’ and ‘organic agronomic practices of major field crops’; ‘Organic production technologies of fruits especially Sikkim mandarin, kiwifruit and guava’; ‘Intensive organic vegetable production techniques under low cost plastic tunnels and rain shelters’; Organic production of red cherry pepper, ginger and turmeric’; ‘Organic large cardamom production and role of agro-forestry systems in organic farming’; ‘Organic pest and disease management in major crops of Sikkim’; ‘Nutrient deficiency symptoms in vegetables’; ‘Nursery raising techniques in organic crop production’; Importance of traditional horticultural crops in organic production system’; Postharvest management of horticultural crops’; ‘Commercial flower production under organic management’; ‘Backyard poultry and goat production and their role in organic farming’; ‘Dairy cattle management techniques and their role in organic farming’; ‘Organic pig production techniques’; ‘Mechanization in horticultural crop production’; ‘Mushroom production techniques’; etc. Besides, hands on experience and practical demonstrations were also carried out for mushroom production technology, vermicomposting, plant propagation techniques, hand pollination techniques of kiwifruit, preparations of biopesticides and biofungicides solutions etc. During the training program, all the members also visited the ICAR-NOFRI Research Farm and were briefed about the ongoing research and development activities. During field visits, trainees were also taken to ICAR-NOFRI adopted model villages Nandok and Tympem, East Sikkim. Mr Adarsh Kumar, Ms. Sujata Rai, Ms. Rajeni Pradhan, Ms. Zangmit Lepcha and Mr. Ezakeil Khawas assisted actively in organizing the program.
Issued by – ICAR-NOFRI, Gangtok
