A one-day collaborative Capacity Building Programme on Avocado cultivation and input distribution for farmers under the North Eastern Himalayas (NEH) plan was conducted at ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre, Tadong, Gangtok today, October 5, 2024.

The programme was organized jointly by ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre, Tadong, Gangtok, in collaboration with ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hesaraghatta Lake post, Bengaluru, Karnataka.

Dr. Sudip Kumar Dutta, Senior Scientist (Horticulture) and Head of Research Centre (i/c), ICAR RC NEHR, Sikkim Centre, delivered the welcome address and briefed participants about ICAR Sikkim Centre and ICAR KVK East Sikkim, Ranipool.

Dr. M. Sankaran, Head, Division of Fruit Crops, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru, and Dr. T. Sakthivel, Principal Scientist, Division of Fruit Crops, ICAR-IIHR, Bengaluru, briefed participants about the NEH plan of ICAR-IIHR and the suitability of fruit crops in Sikkim.

Dr. G. Karunakaran, Principal Scientist, ICAR-IIHR, addressed technical queries raised by farmers.

Shri Tilak Gajmer, Principal Director and Secretary, Horticulture Department, Government of Sikkim, emphasized the importance of organic farming for the overall benefit of the ecosystem and improving farmers' livelihoods using modern technology and techniques to maximize yield and earnings.

Dr. S. Anbalagan, IFS, CEO, Sikkim Organic Farming Development Agency (SOFDA), highlighted the significance of this capacity-building program and stressed the importance of cultivating avocado, guava, pummelo, and jackfruit in a cluster mode.

Around 100 farmers received inputs like vegetable seed packets and Arka Microbial Consortium (AMC).

The inaugural programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. T.L. Bhutia, Senior Scientist (Vegetable Science), ICAR RC NEHR, Sikkim Centre.

This initiative aims to enhance farmers' knowledge and skills in avocado cultivation, promoting sustainable farming practices and improving livelihoods in Sikkim.

********

ISA/SKM/TWB

(Release ID: 2062456) Visitor Counter : 31