ICAR Empowers Tribal Farmers of East Sikkim through Technological Backstopping and Input Support
The ICAR Sikkim Centre organized a training program on May 19, 2015 at Pakyong, East Sikkim under Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) in order to strengthen tribal farmer’s capacity by dissemination of scientific knowledge and input support. During the program, a total of 37 progressive farmers participated and benefitted with the technical know how and various necessary inputs like silpaulin sheets for cultivation of off-season vegetables under low cost plastic tunnels, untreated seeds of various vegetables, seedlings of dalley chilly, bio-fertilizers, neem based bio-pesticides formulations and copper oxychloride (COC) biofungicides were distributed among the farmers of different self help groups (SHGs) of Pakyong, East Sikkim viz., Jagrirti SHG, Chalamthang; Sahpatri SHG, Lossing and Kamal Kisan Group, Kayung.
Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR Sikkim Centre stressed upon the importance of scientific knowledge for commercial production of vegetable crops to bring about perceptible change in the region. He emphasized on the importance of soil testing for balanced nutrition of crops and adoption of integrated farming system including livestock components. He also stressed that farmers should utilize their fallow land by adopting proper cropping systems and using the improved production technologies. Joint Director also distributed the silpaulin sheets, seeds, biofertilizers, biopesticides and biofungicides to the progressive farmers of Chalangthang, Lossing and Kayong villages of Pakyong, East Sikkim.
Dr. Ashish Yadav, Senior Scientist (Horticulture) detailed the organic production technologies for intensive vegetable production under low cost plastic tunnels and rain shelters, which provide opportunities to grow at least 14 different types of vegetables under different climatic conditions. He also demonstrated the construction techniques of low cost plastic tunnels.
Dr. Raghavendra Singh, Senior Scientist (Agronomy) emphasized on the need of proper maintenance of all cropped area by keeping them weed-free and crop rotation with leguminous crops. He asked the farmers to grow vegetable pea/ rajmash after maize harvest and mulch with locally available biomass in between the rows of crops.
Dr. H. Kalita, Principal Scientist (Entomology) discussed the organic pest management in major vegetable crops. He stressed upon the importance of regular visit and proper monitoring of farm in organic production systems for better management of insect pests. He also briefed about the insect management in Sikkim mandarin
Dr. R. Gopi, Scientist (Sr Scale) (Plant Pathology), talked about the use of different organic based formulations for managing the diseases in crops. He also stressed on the importance of Trichoderma viride and Pseudomonas fluorescens for organic disease management in farmer’s field.
Dr. Mahak Singh, Scientist (Animal Reproduction) also interacted with the farmers and briefed about importance of livestock in organic agriculture and suggested methods for maintaining proper hygienic housing for prevention of mastitis. He also discussed backyard poultry management techniques.
Mr. Avinash, Senior Research Fellow, assisted actively in organizing the programme.
Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR Sikkim Centre Addressing the Progressive Farmers of Pakyong, East Sikkim
Joint Director, ICAR distributing inputs to the Progressive Farmers of Pakyong, East Sikkim
Demonstration of Construction of Low Cost Plastic Tunnels for Intensive Vegetable Production at Chalumthang, Pakyong, East Sikkim
