Organic Farming Training Program initiated at ICAR-NOFRI
ICAR-National Organic Farming Research Institute, Tadong, Gangtok in collaboration with ICAR-ATARI Zone VI, Guwahati is organizing a training programme on “Organic Production Technology for Sustainable Agriculture” during November 29 – December 02, 2017 for Senior Scientists and Heads, Krishi Vigyan Kendras of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The training will acquaint the participants about organic production technology for enhancing sustainability of agriculture. The training has been formulated to build the capacity of Sr. Scientists and SMS on the recent developments in organic farming for enhancing climate resilience and sustainability in mountain ecosystems. Around 47 Sr. Scientists and SMS from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim Krishi Vigyan Kendras are participating in this programme. Shri Puneet Kansal, IAS, Commissioner cum Secretary, FSADD, Govt. of Sikkim graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Dr. Senthil Kumar, IFS, Special Secretary, RM&DD, Govt. of Sikkim was the Guest of Honour in the program. Dr. Yashoda Pradhan, Chief Executive Officer, SSOCA, Govt. of Sikkim and Mrs. S. L. Dorjee, Director, Agriculture were also present. All the scientists and subject matter specialists of ICAR – NOFRI and Krishi Vigyan Kendra East Sikkim and officials from KVKs of West, North and South districts were also present.
The inagural session was chaired by Shri Puneet Kansal, IAS, Commissioner cum Secretary, FSADD, Govt. of Sikkim. He explained the successful journey of organic farming in Sikkim. He stressed upon the Legislative Act for prohibition of the chemicals entry in the state. In his speech, Dr. Senthil Kumar, IFS, Special Secretary, RM&DD, Govt. of Sikkim stressed upon the organic training program for other state officials for expanding the area. He applauded the role of ICAR-NOFRI in Sikkim with outstanding research contributions, better cooperation and collaborative programs for the betterment adjoining states in NEH region. He emphasized that ICAR is playing a lead role in imparting in training to the state officials and farmers for organic production of crops. He also appreciated Joint Director, ICAR-NOFRI and team of Scientists and SMSes for the efforts in spreading the improved technologies in to farming community. He urged the Sr. Scientist and Heads for linking the Govt. of Indias’ policy with the organic farming for rural livelihood improvement in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh and also stressed on the importance of the cluster approach for succesful implementation of the organic farming in Sikkim.
Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR-NOFRI, addressed all the dignitaries and briefed about the history of organic farming in Sikkim. He highlighted the practical approach for taking the training of organic farming rather theortical. He also stressed upon the organic conservation agriculture for enhancing the ecosystems services under organic farming.
Dr. A. K. Tripathi, Director, ATARI, Zone-VI, Guwahati briefed about the objective of the program. He mentioned about the seven points strategy for doubling the farmer’s income by 2022. Among the seven points, one point is taking organic farming as an enterprise to double the farmers’ income.
Dr. Ashish Yadav, Sr. Scientist (Horticulture) welcomed all the dignitaries from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. The meeting ended with a vote of thanks by Dr. Raghavendra Singh, Sr. Scientist and Head (I/c), KVK, East Sikkim.
Issued by Joint Director, ICAR-NOFRI
Participants of the Organic Farming Training
