Exposure tour organized for West Sikkim farmers

GANGTOK, 23 Jan: The Department of AH, LF&VS, Extension and Training Cell organized an exposure tour for progressive farmers of West Sikkim from 15 – 21 Jan. The objective of the tour was to make the farmers aware of progress achieved in the selected farms in the field of dairy farming, poultry farming, piggery, turkey farming, backyard poultry farming, meat processing and packing. growth and development of Azolla (a quick growing aquatic fodder of nutritious value), informs a press release.
Maity Poultry Pvt. Limited Kurmapur, Midnapur, West Bengal Co-operative Milk Producer’s Federation Ltd., Kolkata Mother Dairy Dankuni, Hoogly, West Bengal state poultry farm, Tollygunje and Harrringata Farm Mohanpur, Noida were the farms the group visited.
A review meeting with department officials was held in Sikkim House, Kolkata on 21 Jan which was presided over by Joint Director West AH, LF&VS, Dr. DS Tewari, the release informs.
On the very outset BB Chhetri, a farmer from Mangalbaria, Rinchenpong expressed gratitude to the government for facilitating such an expansive tour. Mr Chhetri is one of the farmers selected for poultry estate at Mangalbaria which will be started soon.
He highlighted that temperature maintenance at brooder stage, grower stage is crucial for poultry farming in hilly regions and in the absence of electricity, heating sand in metal or earthen pot can sustain heat for 10-12 hours, the release mentions.
After this Chintamani Sharma from Timburbung said that they learnt that local feed preparation by mixing all locally available ingredients like ground maize, rice husk, mustard cake etc is more economical and farmers are spending more in purchasing feeds in Sikkim at present.
Sushma Subba of Sardong Dentam highlighted on Azolla culture for availing feed in lean period. She also expressed gratitude to the government for giving equal opportunities to women farmers. While, Sandeep Subba from Gareythang Tashiding highlighted on the need of rat and snake proof poultry farm.
Livestock Assistant, Dodak veterinary centre, Bhim Shankar highlighted on the need of such exposure tours for understanding new mechanisms and technology in modern farming system. Dr Tewari summed up the session by urging all the farmers to be more hard working and prompt in adopting technology as per the requirements, the release adds.