Agri - Kaleidoscope: NICRA

ICAR demonstrates Jalkund technology to progressive farmers in South Sikkim

ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre, Tadong, Gangtok -737 102 organized a ‘‘Jalkund Distribution cum Training Programme on Climate Resilient Agriculture” under the aegis of National Initiative on Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA) on March 07, 2015 at Sadam village, South Sikkim. This program was organized with the aim to acquaint the farmers about climate change and their impact on farming which influences the livelihood of the resource poor farmers. To overcome the problems faced by the changing climate situation, different adaptive mechanisms will be adopted in the near future, of which constructions of Jalkund is an option. Silpaulin (250 GSM) was distributed among 25 progressive farmers of different self help groups (SHGs) to encourage storage of harvested rain water and water from other sources . During the program different high yielding varieties of maize composite was also distributed for seed village concept.

Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR, Sikkim Centre emphasized upon the importance of conservation of soil and water under changing climes of mountainous ecosystems. He urged the farmers to undertake the farming especially during winter season through Jalkund driven irrigation system to grow different vegetable crops. He stressed on need of the farmers to utilize their fallow land with adopting proper cropping system using the improved production technologies under NICRA program. He also invited farmers to visit ICAR Sikkim Centre, Tadong for understanding the technologies and ongoing research activities.

Dr. Raghvendra Singh, Sr. Scientist (Agronomy) highlighted different activities under NICRA project and their importance and suggested the farmers to undertake at least one leguminous crop in their cropping system. He also made them aware of the effect of climate change on rainfall pattern in the state especially during winter season and asked the farmers to grow vegetable pea/ rajmash after maize harvest and mulch with locally available biomass in between the rows of crops.

Shri B. Lepcha, Subject Matter Specialist (Horticulture), discussed about the low cost water harvesting structure like Jalkund for judicious use of water for winter crops. He also briefed about the vegetable nursery management techniques by using the conserve water in Jalkund. At the end of the program he demonstrated the complete process of structuring a Jalkund for the benefit of the progressive farmers of Sadam village. Dr. Janak Kumar Singh, Subject Matter Specialist (Plant Breeding), discussed about improved package of practices of maize in the region. He also made the farmers aware about the development of seed by following time isolation in the growing season for two different maize composites.

Shri Mitra Chauhan representative of the Zilla Panchayat Member, appreciated the efforts of ICAR for conducting such kind of program in South Sikkim. Smt. Milan Pradhan, Ward Panchayat Member; Ms. Deepti Gajmer, HSW were also present during the program. Shri H.P. Chauhan, Chief Coordinator, Sadbhawana Farmers Club assisted in arranging the program and proposed vote of thanks.