KVK east Sikkim launched quality seed production programme of Maize at Dochum
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, ICAR Sikkim Centre as part of continuous efforts to strengthen the concept of organic seed production among the farming community through farmers’ participatory training cum maize seed distribution programme organized on March 19, 2015 in the presence of 57 progressive farmers. Composite maize variety RCM 1-1 and popcorn maize variety RCM 1-2 was distributed among the interested farmers of Dochum, Tinik and Rabdong villages of East Sikkim.
Gracing the occasion as chief guest Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim centre encouraged the farmers to undertake production of quality seed of maize and become self dependent in seeds. He urged the farming community of the locality to make Dochum, and other adjoining villages as quality seed producers. He also encouraged the farmers to develop agri-prenurial ability towards the organic seed production to uplift their livelihood as well as self sufficiency in seed since there is huge demand of organic seeds in the state.
Dr. H. Kalita, Pricipal Scientist (Entomology), ICAR Sikkim Centre detailed the organic management of insect pest in maize and cucurbit crops especially bitter gourd, cucumber and bottle gourd. He urged the farming community to adopt the scientific cultivation practices of maize and other crops to do intercultural operations more effectively during the cropping period.
Initiating the programme Dr. J.K. Singh, SMS (Plant Breeding) explained the package of practices of quality seed production of maize. He emphasized on the maintenance of isolation distance, as the crop is highly cross pollinated and recommended adherence to seed production technology for production of quality seed to fulfill the requirement of the village and adjoining villages also.
During the programme Sh. Boniface Lepcha, SMS (Hoticulture) briefed the farmers about quality seed production of maize which will empower the farming community through input support system and said that farmer will take it as agri-business for improvement of their livelihood status.
Sh. Ongdi Sherpa, Horticulture Inspector, HCCDD, Govt. of Sikkim briefed the gathering about the procurement procedure of seed material by the State Department and urged the Panchayat of the villages to take lead role in procurement process of quality seed from the farmers. He also informed the farmers about the concept of organic farming.
Mrs. Bhim Maya, Panchayat, Dochum village expressed her happiness towards the endeavors put forth by KVK East Sikkim with different agricultural technologies in the village. She further ensured more and better cooperation on behalf of the farmers towards the organization in carrying out other agricultural activities for the welfare of farming community.
The programme ended with vote of thanks by Dr. J.K. Singh.
