ICAR empowered North Sikkim Tribal Farmers on organic crop production
The ICAR Sikkim Centre organized training program on “Organic Crop Production” during 3-5 February, 2016 at Gram Prashashan Kendra, Hee-Gyathang, Dzongu, North Sikkim under the guidance of Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR Sikkim Centre in order to increase awareness and strengthen the progressive tribal farmers on organic crop production by dissemination of scientific knowledge along with input support under Tribal Sub Plan (TSP). During the program a total of 56 progressive farmers of different villages viz., Hee-Gyathang, Gnon, Sangdong, Sudur-Bringbong, Mantyang, Tingkyong, Namphing, Ravong representing four SHGs of Dzongu, North Sikkim attended the program and benefitted with the technical know how and various inputs distributed viz., plastics for construction of tunnels and nursery house, untreated seeds, organically permitted biopesticides, biofungicides, biofertilizers and vermi-compost units. Farmers showed keen interest in learning the scientific crop production technologies developed by ICAR Sikkim Centre.
Chief Guest of the program, Smt. Anguli Lepcha, Zilla Adhyaksha, North Sikkim in her address thanked the Joint Director, ICAR Sikkim Centre for organizing such programme and imparting knowledge regarding Organic Crop Production and also for providing quality inputs to them. She also convinced farmers to cultivate their land and generate income to improve their living standard and become self-dependent.
Dr. R. K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR Sikkim Centre appreciated the farmers for taking interest on organic crop production and scientists of the Centre for their efforts in organizing the training program. He highlighted the activities of the Centre related to organic crop production and stressed upon the need of this training program after declaration of the state fully organic by the Honorable Prime Minister of India on 18th January, 2016. At the end of the programme certificates were distributed to all the progressive farmers for successful participation in the training program.
Earlier, Dr. H. Kalita, Principal Scientist (Entomology) presented the overview of the program and its signficance for the region. He also discussed the organic pest management and vermicompost production techniques. He stressed upon the importance of regular visit and proper monitoring of farms in organic production systems for better management of insect pests.
Dr. Ashish Yadav, Senior Scientist (Horticulture) detailed the organic production techniques of major horticultural crops of Sikkim especially intensive vegetable production under low cost plastic tunnels and plastic rain shelters. He highlighted that vegetables are quick cash crops and hi-tech production of vegetables with low cost technologies is very profitable.
Dr. R. Gopi, Scientist SS (Plant Pathology) shared the information on disease management in major crops and mushroom production techniques. He emphasized on the need for proper crop rotation to avoid diseases in agricultural and horticultural organic crop production.
Shri Shaon K. Das, Scientist (Soil Science) talked on the organic nutrient management techniques and importance of soil testing and demonstrated the method of soil sample collection from the crop field and stressed on the need for proper management of soil acidity for balanced organic nutrition of crops.
Dr. Brijesh Kumar, Scientist (Animal Reproduction) also interacted with the farmers and suggested methods for maintaining the hygienic housing for dairy cattle and piggery. He also discussed backyard poultry management techniques.
Mr. Boniface Lepcha, SMS (Horticulture), KVK Ranipool coordinated the event and shared the information on nursery management for cole crops, tomato and capsicum in organic production system.
During the programme all the scientists demonstrated their technologies in the field to the farmers to make the programme more fruitful and lively.
Sh. Samroo Ugen Palzor Lepcha,; Panchayat President, Jaymoo Lepcha, Panchayat Member were also present during the program. Sh. Samroo Ugen Palzor Lepcha, Panchayat President proposed vote of thanks and expressed heartfelt gratitude to ICAR for organising this important training programme.
Chief Guest Smt. Anguli Lepcha, Zilla Adhyaksha, North Sikkim distributed inputs
Farmers participated in the training programme
Practical demonstration in the field
