Awareness on organic farming and certification

GANGTOK, 31 Jan: An orientation-cum-awareness programme on Organic Farming and Certification under Sikkim Organic Mission was conducted by SIMFED on the 29 January 2014 in West Pendam, Gram Panchyat Unit, East Sikkim. The programme also covered a chapter on intensive organic technology for control of pests and diseases in various Kharif crops (both agricultural & horticultural).
A press release informs that the programme highlighted the importance and future scope of organic farming in the state. Managing Director, SIMFED, Kuber Bhandari apprised the gathering on the C 3 Certificate being awarded to the Gram Panchayat Unit by Sikkim Organic Mission, thereby declaring total certification of the area covering 522 hectares, for which he congratulated the farmers and Panchayats of the unit for their cooperation.
The HDO, Duga BAC, Pintso Wangyal Bhutia also addressed the gathering and clarified many questions put to him by the farmers during the interactive session. ICAR, Jr. Scientist, Dr. N. Johnson Singh gave information on the organic method of controlling pests and diseases of kharif crops (both agricultural & horticultural).
Manager (ICS) of SIMFED explained the certification process and marketing of organic products. There was an interaction session between members of the Organic Growers Group Committee of the area and the visiting Departmental officials. The programme was attended by all the SIMFED, ICS field functionaries and officials.