ICAR – NOFRI imparted Organic Farming training to the Tribal Farmers in West Sikkim
A two days training programme on organic crop production was organized by the ICAR-National Organic Farming Research Institute, Tadong, Gangtok in colloboration of ICAR-KVK East Sikkim with a view to enhance the livelihood of the farmers under Tribal Sub Plan at Hee-Martam BAC, West Sikkim during January 24-25, 2017. Total of 57 nos. of progressive farmers from Martam Block, West Sikkim participated in the program. Seeds of winter vegetables, mushroom spawn, organic pesticides and bio fertilizers were distributed to the farmers.
Gracing the occasion as Chief Guest Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR – NOFRI, Tadong stressed the farmers to implement the improved production technologies for different crops for sustainable farming and further detailed the value of proper organic plant nutrition to the crops in the state. Addressing the gathering the details of the cropping sequence for higher profitability in the changing climatic variability were shared. He urged the farmers undertake establishment of the sources of organic inputs within the farm to reduce dependence on external inputs and also to undertake production of quality seed to retain them for self-dependence since treated seeds are banned in the state. The farmers should keep some bio-pesticides at their residences so that the immediate needs of the crops are fulfilled.
Initiating the programme Dr. Raghavendra Singh, and Senior Scientist and Head (I/c), KVK –East Sikkim presented the organic conservation agriculture and package of practices for maize based and rice based cropping system. He emphasized on the importance of inclusion of leguminous crops in cropping system which not only increase cropping intensity from 120 to 200-300 per cent and also improves the soil fertility. He also briefed about the no-till cultivation practices of field pea, lentil and yellow sarson after rice harvest which they kept fallow during winter season.
Dr. Rafiqul Islam, Senior Scientist (Animal Reproduction) 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 agricultural operation.
Dr. Matber Singh, Senior Scientist (Agroforestry) ICAR-NOFRI, Tadong detailed the different fodder production technologies under agroforestry systems and benefits of incorporation of large cardamom plantations with tree plantations in hill eco-systems.Dr. N. J. Singh, SMS (Plant Protection) KVK East Sikkim detailed the major insect pests and diseases of crops in Sikkim conditions and their management strategies through various approaches under organic condition. He emphasized the farmers to opt for preventive measures of pests’ and diseases management in vegetables and other crops especially under organic farming system for increasing productivity.
Coordinating the programme Sh. Boniface Lepcha, SMS (Horticulture), KVK East Sikkim presented about the cultivation practices of year round vegetable cultivation under low cost plastic tunnel and shelters which can empower the farming community and their livelihood status in Sikkim. He also detailed the production technology of kiwi and Sikkim Mandarin under organic condition.
Miss. Pallabi Phukan, SMS (Agril. Extension), explained the importance of SHG for upliftment the women empowerment in the village. She also detailed the various activities conducted under KVK East Sikkim.
Later the farmers’ were demonstrated to scientific cultivation of Oyster mushroom and development of low cost poly tunnel at farmer’s field. No-till cultivation of different crops was also demonstrated to the tribal farmers.Shri C. K. Pradhan, Block Development Officer, Martam, West Sikkim expressed his happiness towards the endeavors putforth by ICAR-NOFRI with different agricultural technologies. He further ensured more and better cooperation on behalf of the block towards the organization of other agricultural activities for the welfare of farming community.
The programme ended with vote of thanks by Sh. Vivek Sharma, BTM (Hee-Martam).
Demonstration of low cost poly tunnel Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR - NOFRI addressing to the gathering
Group Photographs along with the Tribal farmers Issued by ICAR-NOFRI
