East farmers visit Azing’s Farm in West

GANGTOK, 02 July: Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA-East) organised an exposure tour (within state) for the farmers of East district from 25 to 27 June 2014 at Azing’s Farm, Hatthidunga, Sangadorjee GPU, under Rinchenpong Constituency, West Sikkim.
As per a press release, around 80 farmers, mostly members of the Farm School of East District from all the eight blocks of East Sikkim namely Khamdong, Assam Linzey, Regu, Rongli, Basilakha, Duga, Ranka, Namli took part in the exposure tour to West Sikkim.
The tour programme was guided by Bina Rai [Deputy Project Director, ATMA East] and the Block Technology Managers of East District. At Azing's farm, the visiting farmers of East District interacted with the Resource Person cum Progressive Farmer, Azing Lepcha regarding strategies for integrated farming system.
The visiting farmers saw the adaptation of Animal Husbandry, Horticulture Crop Farming, Agriculture Crop Farming, Floriculture, Apiculture, and Fisheries at Azing Lepcha’s farm, the release mentions.
Regarding organic integrated farming, open interaction between Azing Lepcha and the farmers of East District was conducted, where the farmers of East District placed various queries. They also exchanged their innovative ideas for organic agriculture farming and indigenous technical knowledge to control pests and diseases.
Mr. Azing too shared his experiences and knowledge about integrated farming and its benefits with the visiting farmers. He also mentioned about the high demand of locally prepared organic products such as Local Wine, Honey, Stingless Wasp’s Honey, (Putka Honey), Pickles, Fruit Juice,  Agriculture and Horticulture  Products in local markets as well as outside the state. He also emphasised on village tourism, where one can attract tourists through organic integrated farming.
The visiting farmers have expressed their sincere thanks to the officers of ATMA-East for providing the opportunity for such an interesting exposure tour, the release adds.