ICAR-KVK, East Sikkim celebrated “World Soil Day”
ICAR-KVK East Sikkim, Ranipool celebrated “World Soil Day” with a view to highlight the importance of soil as the most critical component of the natural system and as a vital contributor to the human commonwealth through its contribution to food, water and energy security and as a mitigator of biodiversity loss and climate change. Supporting the healthy soils, integrated management of soil, water, vegetation and biodiversity enables sustainable agricultural production for the environment and farm profits. It is celebrated particularly for farmers charged with responsibility of generating and communicating soil knowledge for the common good. The program was held at ICAR-National Organic Farming Research Institute, Tadong, Gangtok on 5th December, 2017. A total of 152 nos. of farmers from different villages of East Sikkim, state government and representitive of central government officials attended the programme. Shri B.B. Rai, Hon’ble MLA (Namcheybong-Sikkim) graced the occasion as chief guest and Smt. S. L. Dorjee, Director (Agriculture), FSADD and Dr. Yashoda Pradhan, Chief Executive Officer, SSOCA, Govt. of Sikkim as Guest of Honours. The dignitaries from state and other departments (Smt Rachna Gurung, Deputy Director, ATMA and Smt. Bina Rai, Deputy Director, FSADD along with all the scientists and subject matter specialists of ICAR – NOFRI and Krishi Vigyan Kendra, East Sikkim were also present in the programme.
The programme was started with the welcome address of Dr. Raghavendra Singh, Senior Scientist and Head I/c (KVK-East Sikkim) to the Chief Guest, all dignitaries and participating farmers. He also briefed the history and relevance of soil day on this special day (December 5). In the inaugural speech, Shri B.B. Rai addressed the gathering about soil health and advised all the farmers for better soil health. He applauded the role of ICAR KVK-East Sikkim and ICAR-NOFRI in Sikkim for outstanding contributions, better cooperation and collaborative programs for the betterment of the Sikkim farmers. He also distributed Soil Health Card among the farmers and encouraged them for healthy soil. Dr. Ashish Yadav, Sr. Scientist (Horticulture), ICAR-NOFRI, Tadong briefed about healthy soil which is the foundation of the food system by improving soil health and reducing input costs for farmers. Smt. S.L. Dorjee, Director (Agriculture), FSADD, addressed the farmers and appreciated the efforts of KVK, East Sikkim and ICAR- NOFRI for their cooperation. She also briefed about the activities being implemented at farmer’s level in different areas of the state by the FSAD Department, Govt. of Sikkim. Dr. Yashoda Pradhan, CEO, SSOCA, Govt. of Sikkim briefed about the importance of healthy soil for cultivation of different crops. She also elaborated in detail about the organic food product from healthy soil.
In the Farmers’ Scientists Interaction and Field Day on Buckwheat programme at ICAR Research Farm, Dr. Raghavendra Singh, highlighted the importance of taking buckwheat in maize based system particularly for improving the availability of phosphorus to next crop in system. He highlighted the buckwheat crop for imroving the soil health and focused on better understanding of the linkages between soil life and ecosystem function. Dr. Ashish Yadav, Sr. Scientist, Dr. Matber Singh, Dr. Shaon Kumar Das, Dr. Chandramani Raj and Dr. Shweta Singh emphasized on the measures to restore and rebuilding of soils which have been under cultivation for long time by leaching, runoff and erosion. They also suggested about the reduction of negative impact by human interventions and more effective capture of the benefits of soil biological activity for sustainable and productive agriculture. Dr. R. Islam discussed the role of animal manure in better soil health management.
Dr. P. K. Pathak, SMS, (Animal Science), Dr. J.K. Singh, SMS (Plant Breeding), Sh. Boniface Lepcha, SMS (Horticulture), Dr. N. J. Singh, SMS (Plant Protection) and Miss Pallabi Phukan, SMS (Agriculture Extension) KVK East Sikkim were also present in the event and assisted in the smooth execution of the programme. The farmers were exposed to the various technologies of ICAR-NOFRI, Tadong to witness the modern improved production technologies for Rabi season crops. At the end of the programme Sh. Boniface Lepcha, SMS (Horticulture), KVK East Sikkim proposed the vote of thanks. The inaugural programme was coordinated by Sh. S. M. Kandwal, Technical Officer, ICAR-NOFRI.
Issued by: ICAR-KVK, East Sikkim
Shri BB Rai, Honourable MLA, Namcheybong, East Sikkim addresing to the gathering
SHC distribution
Farm Visit
