One day training programme on
“ Integrated Organic Farming System in Cluster Approach” under Network Project on Organic Farming (NPOF)
A one day training cum awareness programme on “Integrated Organic Farming System in Cluster Approach” was organized by Division of Crop Production on the 22th December, 2017 at Agronomy Research Farm, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam under Network Project on Organic Farming (NPOF) with the objective of increasing farmers income as well as sustaining their livelihood through integration of various farm enterprises. Dr. Anup Das, Principal Scientist and Head (Division of Crop Production) inaugurated the training cum awareness programme and emphasized the integration of farm enterprises for enhancing farmers income. Dr. Anup Das greatly emphasized and encouraged the farmers in taking up the Integrated Organic Farming System (IOFS) model for enhancing income and nutritional security. He explained that from the IOFS model (0.43 ha area) comprising of different crops and livestock component and other complimentary enterprises such as (vermicompost unit, Live fencing (Leguminous hedgerow spp.) and pond unit) a net return of Rs. 73,005/- per year from 0.43 hectare area and Rs. 200 /- per day can be achieved which is a modest amount for living by a four member family (2 adults and 2 childrens). Dr. Das also explained about the organic farming and growing of maize-frenchbean cropping system for better soil health and reduce cost of cultivation. He also explained about the effects of various comparative efficiency practices such as (organic, chemical and integrated management) on different crops under raised and sunken beds system of cultivation and how organic management practices influence/maintain the soil health and crop productivity.
Dr. Subhash Babu, Scientist (Agronomy) explained the details of 8 models at the Farming System Research Farm. He also explained about the benefits of the Integrated Farming System (IFS) model which comprises of various components such as (crop, livestock and poultry unit, fishery unit, horticulture, vertical cropping and cultivation of spices). He emphasized that a net return of Rs 1,66,000 per year from 1 ha area and Rs 450 per day can be achieved which is a modest amount for living by a 6 members family and would also help in increasing farmer’s income. Dr. Jayanta Layek, Scientist (Agronomy) explained about organic pulse production technology in rice fallow for food security as well as soil health and organic kitchen garden. Dr. M. Thoithoi Devi, Scientist (Agronomy) and Dr. Krishnappa, Scientist (Crop Physiology) stressed on kitchen gardening, residue recycling through vermicomposting and the importance of cultivating pulses like chickpea etc in this region. Dr. Utpal Dey, Ms. Daphibanri D Lyngdoh and Mr. Mebaaibok L. Nonglait also elaborated about the various cropping systems (rice-pulse-carrot/frenchbean/carrot/tomato/potato) for more income, cropping intensity and nutritional security and making use of rice stubbles or any residues on or off farm for either nutrient cycling or mulching. Altogether 100 farmers from four villages (Mynsain, Umden, Pynthor, Umshiaw) of Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya attended the programme.
A field demonstration programme was also organized to make farmers more equipped of the application of organic inputs (FYM/Vermicompost etc) and sowing of pulses/oilseeds in rice fallow with minimum tillage technology. During the programme pulse seeds (pea) etc was distributed among the farmers to support them for increasing farm productivity and income. Leaflets in local language on pea, lentil and frenchbean production in rice/maize fallow and IoFS model were also distributed to the farmers.
