ICAR–NOFRI Empowered Tribal Farmers of East Sikkim
ICAR-National Organic Farming Research Institute, Tadong, Gangtok organized Two-Day Training-cum-Awareness Program on Organic Crop Production for the tribal farmers of Badong, Khamdong, East Sikkim during March 21-22, 2017 in order to create awareness and self reliance in organic crop production under Tribal Sub Plan Project. A total of 53 nos. of progressive tribal farmers participated in the program. Vegetable seeds, organic pesticides, biofertilizers and plastics were distributed. Farmers were detailed about ICAR technologies through power point presentations for quick and easy learning of the technologies.
Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR–NOFRI, Tadong in his address stressed that the farmers have to increase the cropping intensity by growing more number of crops for sustainable farming in the State. He further said that knowledge is power and small interventions in the farming make big differences and emphasized on the importance of line sowing of different crops for easy cultural operations and harvesting. He briefed about the ICAR technologies and detailed on organic nutrient management techniques through various sources of organic nutrients besides emphasizing on the importance of livestock components for production of sufficient quantity of organic manures.
Dr. Ashish Yadav, Senior Scientist (Horticulture), ICAR-NOFRI, Tadong shared the organic production technology for intensive vegetable cultivation under low cost plastic tunnel and rain shelters which can empower the farming community and improve their livelihood status in Sikkim. He also briefed about the construction of low cost plastic tunnel to the farmers at ICAR research farm.
Dr. Raghavendra Singh, Senior Scientist (Agronomy) Sikkim presented the organic conservation agriculture and package of practices for maize and rice based cropping system. He emphasized on the importance of inclusion of leguminous crops in cropping system for improving the soil fertility.
Dr. Rafiqul Islam, Senior Scientist (Animal Reproduction), ICAR-NOFRI discussed in detail about the backyard poultry and goat management techniques. He emphasized on the importance of Vanaraja birds which has gained popularity in Sikkim as backyard poultry. He also briefed about the disease management in backyard poultry.
Dr. Matber Singh, Scientist Senior Scale (Agroforestry), ICAR-NOFRI, Tadong detailed the different agroforestry systems and benefits of incorporation of large cardamom plantations with tree plantations in hill ecosystem.
Dr. P.K. Pathak, SMS (Animal Science) interacted with the farmers and suggested the methods for maintaining the hygienic housing for piggery along with the proper management of diseases prevalent in the region.
Besides coordinating the program, Shri Boniface Lepcha, SMS (Horticulture), KVK East Sikkim briefed about the nursery management of vegetable crops and interacted with the farmers for their technical problems of low production and productivity from the farming system under organic conditions.
Miss Pallabi Phukan, SMS (Agril. Extension), explained about the importance of SHGs for the upliftment and women empowerment in the village. She also detailed the various activities conducted under KVK East Sikkim.
Mr. Ashok Kumar Tamang, District Incharge ICS-SIMFED and Mrs Deepa Lepcha, Group Leader ICS Badong, Khamdong were also present during program and thanked Joint Director and team for organizing training program. Mr. Adarsh Kumar, Ms. Sujata Rai, Ms. Rajeni Pradhan and Ms. Zangmit Lepcha assisted in organizing the program.
Issued by – ICAR-NOFRI, Gangtok
Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint addressing to the progressive tribal farmers of Badong, Khamdong, East Sikkim Joint Director distributing inputs to the progressive tribal farmers of Badong, Khamdong, East Sikkim
Joint Director, Scientists, SMS along with progressive tribal farmers of Badong, Khamdong, East Sikkim
