The ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre, Tadong, on Wednesday, 3rd June, 2026, distributed Kharif organic seed material to a progressive farmer group from Marchak village, East Sikkim, under the ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan’ initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.

The objective of the initiative is to promote soil health management and balanced fertilizer use under Sikkim’s organic conditions, with emphasis on both organic and natural farming.

On this occasion, a team of ICAR scientists visited progressive organic agri-entrepreneur Shri Shishir Kharka of Sunder Sikkim Mart. The team also visited the Organic Dairy Farm Unit and adjoining Organic Composting Unit to suggest design improvements for scaling up production.

Dr. Shoan Kumar Das, Senior Scientist (Agricultural Chemistry), suggested commercial production of organic manures/liquid formulations for Sikkim. He also recommended control measures to manage the acidic nature of soils in the state.

Dr. Ramgopal Devadas, Principal Scientist, distributed popular ICAR-developed improved local cultivars for demonstration and evaluation at farmers’ fields. These included ‘Sikkim Organic Chirakey Selection-1’ (SKOCS-1) for paddy cultivation and ‘Hakuchuk’ upland paddy.

The programme was coordinated by Ms. Ankita Sharma, Young Professional-I (Seeds), under the guidance of Dr. Ashok Kumar, Head of Regional Centre, ICAR Sikkim, with support from the Department of Agriculture, Government of Sikkim, to ensure timely sowing of paddy nurseries.

The programme aims to demonstrate ‘Organic Seed Production’ using new ICAR varieties and to enhance the seed replacement rate in Sikkim.

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MPS/SK

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