ICAR-National Organic Farming Research Institute (NOFRI), Tadong organized two-day ‘Training Program for Horticulture Functionaries on Organic Crop Production’ during 3-4 March 2017 to create awareness amongst the Horticulture Development Officers, Horticulture Inspectors, Village Level Workers and Field Assistants regarding the requirements and basics of organic crop production system. Horticulture Functionaries from all over Sikkim participated in the training program.

Shri Khorlo Bhutia, Secretary, Horticulture & Cash Crop Development Department, Government of Sikkim, the Chief Guest,   appreciated the Joint Director and Scientists of ICAR-NOFRI for their efforts in organizing the training program for Horticulture Functionaries and need based research in organic production system. He said that with this kind of training the horticulture functionaries shall be able to help the farmers at the grass root level to increase the production and productivity of organic crops in Sikkim, and farmers can reap more benefits with better market prices. He also said that we have to work hard for the sustainability of organic farming in the Sikkim.  

Earlier, Dr R.K. Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR-NOFRI,   highlighted the relevance of this training in relation to climate change and its impact on agriculture and stressed that the trainees implement the improved production technology of different crops at farmer’s field for sustainable farming in the State.  The Chief Guest was requested to take necessary steps for meeting the seed requirement and its procurement in buy-back mode from the farmers.  During the technical sessions topics discussed were: organic production technology of Sikkim mandarin and kiwifruit, organic vegetable production techniques under low cost plastic tunnels and rain shelters, organic farming production standards, organic agronomic practices of major field crops,  role of agro-forestry systems in organic farming,   organic pest and disease management in major crops of Sikkim,  nursery raising techniques in organic crop production,   backyard poultry and goat production and their role in organic farming,   Dairy cattle management techniques and their role in organic farming and  Organic pig production techniques. During the training program, all the members also visited the ICAR-NOFRI Research Farm and were briefed about the ongoing research and development activities.