KVK East Sikkim strengthens farmers through input support under NICRA Technology Demonstration
In order to strengthen the organic seed production among the farming community through farmers’ participatory mode, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, ICAR Sikkim Centre organized training cum input support programme on June 4, 2015 in the presence of 28 progressive farmers at Lower Nandok under NICRA project. An improved soybean variety RCS 1-10 was distributed amongst the progressive farmers of lower Nandok, East Sikkim. Soybean variety has been developed by ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam which performs very well in the mid hills eco-system of Sikkim. In the program around one thousand slips of napier grass was also distributed among the farmers as a part of NICRA technology demonstration component (TDC).
Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre encouraged the farmers to undertake production of quality seed of soybean and become self dependent in organic seeds. He urged the farming community of the locality to develop Nandok, and other adjoining villages of East Sikkim as quality organic seed producers. He also stressed upon agri-prenurial ability towards the organic seed production by the farmers to uplift their livelihood as well as self sufficiency in seed since there is huge demand of organic seeds in the state.
Dr. Raghavendra Singh, Sr. Scientist (Agronomy) and PC (I/c) KVK East Sikkim, ICAR Sikkim Centre welcomed the gathering and detailed the improved packages and practices for cultivation of soybean. He stressed upon the cultivation of Napier grass on bunds in view of its importance for soil and water conservation as well as use it as a fodder grass during lean period.
Dr. N. Johnson Singh, SMS (Plant Protection) briefed the key pests and diseases symptoms and its organic management of soybean.
Initiating the programme, Dr. J.K. Singh, SMS (Plant Breeding) explained about the variety of soybean. He emphasized on production of quality seed to fulfill the requirement of the own and adjoining village.
Smt. Phurba Doma Lepcha, Panchayat, Lower Nandok appreciated the continuous efforts of ICAR since the inception of NICRA project implemented in the village since 2011-12 for the benefit of the farming community. Mr. Nim Tshering Lepcha, progressive farmer of the village expressed his happiness towards the endeavors put forth by KVK East Sikkim with different agricultural technologies in the village. He further assured more and better cooperation on behalf of the farmers towards the organization through development of other agricultural activities for the welfare of farming community.
During the programme Sh. Boniface Lepcha, SMS (Hoticulture) briefed the farmers about value added product of soybean and encouraged the rural youth and farming community to develop small scale industry to strengthen their livelihoods. At the end of the program he proposed vote of thanks. Miss. Kalpana Sharma and Ms. Deepti Gazamer assisted the programme.
Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR Sikkim Centre, Distributing the inputs to the progressive farmers of Lower Nandok, East Sikkim
