ICAR hosts state-level research advisory committee meeting

GANGTOK, 05 May: ICAR Sikkim Centre organized a state-level Research Advisory Committee meeting today, chaired by Agriculture Secretary PT Bhutia, today.
The meeting, an official press release states, was an initiative towards creating a common platform for effective interaction between researchers and stakeholders in line with ICAR working in close association with state line departments and farmers for timely dissemination of scientific knowledge and technological backup to develop self-reliance in organic agriculture production in the state.
Dr. RK Avasthe, Joint Director, ICAR Sikkim Centre, welcomed all the dignitaries and presented the overall research and extension activities of ICAR Sikkim Centre.
The Agriculture Department Secretary, Mr. Bhutia, in his address applauded the role of ICAR in Sikkim and underlined the benefits of better cooperation and collaborative programs. He stressed that there was need for integrated farming systems with at least two production systems including agriculture/ horticulture and animal husbandry at village cluster level.
He further stated that there was need to develop programs for organic milk production as well in Sikkim.
Dr. Sandeep Tambe, Special Secretary, RMDD, in his address, pointed out that in the near future, water will be the most precious commodity, hence, there is need to develop technologies for optimum use of stored water. He further raised the concerns of farmers regarding organic disease & pest management in large cardamom and non-availability of quality planting material.
He also invited future collaborative work with ICAR under MNREGA.
Khorlo Bhutia, Principal Director, Horticulture Department, complimented the entire team of ICAR Sikkim Centre for playing a pivotal role in development of agro-animal technology which had led to an increase in production of fresh vegetables, fruits, milk and meat.
Dr. Senthil Kumar, MD, Sikkim Milk Union, further detailed the role of ICAR in the region and shared that there was urgent need to raise the SNF content in milk collected in Sikkim, which, he said, was lower than the other states.
He said that there is also need to take up research on synchronization of oestrus cycle in dairy animals and establishment of embryo transfer technology facility at ICAR Sikkim Centre.
During the technical session, Dr. H. Kalita, Principal Scientist (Entomology); Dr. Ashish Yadav, Senior Scientist (Horticulture); Dr. R. Gopi, Scientist (Plant Pathology); Dr. Subhash Babu, Scientist (Agronomy); Shri Shaon K. Das, Scientist (Soil Science) and Dr. Brajesh Kumar, Scientist (Animal Reproduction) made presentations. There was lively interaction between the state officials and ICAR scientists for the development of future R&D roadmap for Sikkim, the release adds.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr. H. Kalita, Principal Scientist (Entomology).