ICAR-KVK strengthens tribal farmers through input support
ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra, East Sikkim, Ranipool organized two days “Training programme of tribal farmers for technological backstopping and input support system” on November 14-15, 2017 at Thanka-Martam and Timpyem village, East Sikkim. The programme was undertaken for Integrated Organic Farming System (Tribal Sub Plan) with the objective to enhance production and productivity of Rabi crops in Sikkim. Total 63 nos. of tribal progressive farmers of both village of East Sikkim participated in the program. Vegetable pea (Abhira 11), yellow sarson (B-9), oat for fodder (Kent), Vermibeds and other bio-pesticides and bio-fertilizers was distributed to the farmers. Earlier, in both the villages farmers were trained for vegetable nursery raising techniques which is almost ready for transplanting. Farmers were educated for transplanting of cole crops through innovative no-till technique in rice-fallow.
The programme was chaired by Dr. R. K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR-NOFRI. Addressing the gathering he briefed on organic cultivation of vegetable pea under zero tillage technology in rice fallow. He also encouraged the farmers to undertake production of quality seed for becoming self-dependent since treated seeds are banned in the state. He encouraged the farmers towards establishing the sources of organic inputs within the farm to reduce dependence on outside inputs.
Addressing the gathering Dr. Raghavendra Singh, Senior Scientist and Head (I/c) briefed on organic cultivation of oat as fodder in rice fallow. He encouraged the farmers to implement the improved production technology of Rabi crops for sustainable farming and further detailed the value of vermicompost as source of organic nutrition to the crops in the state.
Dr. P.K Pathak, SMS (Animal Science) elaborated about the existence of major livestock and poultry diseases in the locality, their preventive and control measures. He also highlighted about the importance of scientific animal housing for profitable livestock and agriculture operation. 7-8 numbers of local educated youths will be trained as paravets by the Animal Scientist of ICAR-KVK East Sikkim which will help in smooth follow up of the necessary treatment procedure in the village.
Dr. N. Johnson Singh, SMS (Plant Protection) detailed the major insect pests and diseases of Rabi crops in Sikkim conditions and their organic management practices.
Shri Boniface Lepcha, SMS (Horticulture) briefed the farmers about improved production technology of Rabi vegetables which can empower the farming community and livelihood status. He also briefed the nursery management under low cost poly structure for quality vegetable seedlings production.
Coordinating the programme, Dr. J. K. Singh, SMS (Plant Breeding) elaborated the farmers about the importance of improved varieties of vegetable pea for organic seed production under conventional and zero tillage. Miss Bina Rai, SRF (NICRA) assisted in the smooth execution of the programme.
Input distributio program at Timpyem, East Sikkim
Vegetable nursery raised by progressive farmers of Thanka-Martam
Demonstration on no-till vegetable pea in rice fallow Issued by: ICAR-KVK East Sikkim
