ICAR distributed maize seed in hail affected Makha village
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, ICAR Sikkim Centre, East Sikkim organized training cum seed distribution program at recently hail devastated Makha village, East Sikkim with a view to strengthen the farmers to produce their own seed through community participatory approach especially under organic production system. Total of 48 nos. of progressive farmers of Makha village, East Sikkim participated in the program. Composite maize variety RCM 1-1, RCM 1-2 (pop corn), local maize and bitter gourd were distributed to the farmers.
Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest, Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre stressed on the climate change and their direct impact on quality seed in the State. He said that during last two decades due to changing climate, unseasonal and uncertain rain and heavy hails hit the standing crops regularly during pre-Kharif season in Sikkim, hence, it is necessary to be prepared accordingly for combating against the unpredicted weather conditions. He encouraged the farmers to undertake production of composite maize varieties and retain it for next two to three years to become self-dependent in seeds. He 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. Raghavendra Singh, Programme Coordinator (I/C) and Sr. Scientist (Agronomy), ICAR Sikkim Centre detailed the organic package and practices of maize based cropping system. He emphasized on the importance of inclusion of leguminous crop in cropping system. He urged the farming community to adopt the scientific cultivation practices of maize and other crops to undertake intercultural operations more effectively during the cropping period. He also made them aware about the green manuring of the Sesbania (Dhaincha) during pre kharif season in the rice fallow.
Initiating the programme Dr. J.K. Singh, SMS (Plant Breeding) explained the production technology of quality seed production of composite maize.
Dr. N.J Singh, SMS (Plant Protection) briefed the farmers about insect and disease management strategies in maize and other crops.
During the programme Sh. Boniface Lepcha, SMS (Horticulture) briefed the farmers about the production technology of horticulture vegetable which will empower the farming community through input support system to improve their livelihood status.
Mr. Muktinath Khatiwara, Progressive farmer of Makha village expressed his happiness towards the endeavors put forth by KVK East Sikkim with different agricultural technologies and input support in the hail affected village. The program ended with vote of thanks proposed by Dr. N. J. Singh, SMS (Plant Protection), KVK East Sikkim.
