GANGTOK, (PIB):
ICAR Sikkim Centre, Gangtok celebrated the Field Day of ‘Sikkim Dhan-1’ rice variety
funded by AICRP on Seed (Crops) at Rabitar, South Sikkim on Monday. The event
was collaboratively organized by HoRC (Act.) and principal scientist Dr.
Ramgopal Devadas with KVK, Namthang.
The
Field Day was observed in the paddy fields of Pemba Tshering Lepcha, Dawa
Tshering Lepcha, and Narayan Chettri at Rabitar.
The
program aimed to evaluate the performance of 'Sikkim Dhan-1' variety at
farmers' fields, showcasing its production, resistance to pests and diseases,
and productivity of 5 to 5.6 t/ha (estimated) under Sikkim's organic
conditions.
R.P.
Thapa, director (Seeds), State Agriculture department, highlighted the
medium-duration, moderately resistant rice variety's (Sikkim Dhan-1) potential
for better adoption and encouraged farmers to adopt advanced sustainable
organic farming practices unique to Sikkim.
During
the event, Dr. R. Devadas discussed Central schemes like TSP, poultry (PSP) and
Integrated Organic Farming System (IOFS) models to benefit farmers under ICAR.
The ICAR team also distributed 100 kilograms of Khufri Sinduri (ICAR potato
variety), seeds of cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, sweet pea, beetroot,
carrots, coriander and radish to Rabitar farmers for the winter season.
Approximately, 30 farmers from Rabitar actively participated in the ICAR Field
Day.
The
participating farmers interacted and discussed during the on-field program
session and received training at other ICAR institutes. They expressed
gratitude for the initiative, and evaluation trials will continue in the
forthcoming years.
