ICAR stressed on enhancing the cropping intensity in Sikkim
In order to increase the cropping intensity from existing 117 to 300 per cent in the state through the utilization of available resources in best possible way by changing and modifying spatial and temporal crop or cropping activities. ICAR-National Organic Farming Research Institute, Tadong organized training cum input support programme for “Livelihood improvement of rural tribals through crop diversification and intensification in Mid Hills of Sikkim” on March 20, 2017 at ICAR Tadong. A total 62 nos. of progressive farmers of Basilakha, Tumin Shelley, Lossing, Makha, and Sakyong (Namgethang) participated in the programme. The technology mainly emphasizes on growing of at least two crops in a rotation and/or three crops under moisture stress conditions as experienced during the winter season.
Dr. R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR Sikkim Centre chaired the program and encouraged the farmers to undertake the above mentioned technology in larger areas to enhance the production and productivity so that commercialization of crops can be done in the state. He emphasized on the importance of organic farming and their beneficial effects on community. 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 Head (I/c), KVK East Sikkim, ICAR-NOFRI welcomed the gathering and detailed about the maize based climate resilient cropping system which can be a tool suitable in changing climatic scenario. He explained about the improved packages and practices for cultivation of maize, black gram, rajmash, vegetable pea, toria and buckwheat in system mode.
During the programme Dr. J. K. Singh, SMS (Plant Breeding), Sh. Boniface Lepcha, SMS (Horticulture) and Ms. Pallabi Phukan interacted with the farmers for relevant cultivation practices, pests and diseases management etc. in the programme. Later on the farmers were shown ICAR technologies at the Research Farm. At the end of the program, Dr. J.K. Singh proposed the vote of thanks.
Issue by: ICAR-KVK-East Sikkim
