Chief Administrator takes stock of Organic Mission

Chief Administrator, R Ongmu Chaired a follow-up meeting with the Secretaries and HoDs in the presence of the Chief Secretary, AK Srivastava and Addl. Chief Secretary, SC Gupta with regard to Sikkim Organic Mission at the Conference Hall of Manan Kendra, Gangtok on Tuesday. It was informed during the meeting that the tentative date of the Prime Minister's visit to Sikkim is from 16-18 January 2016. The PM is expected to visit three venues viz. Guards Ground, Ridge Park and Saramsa Garden.

Gnathang-Machong to give Tea a try

The people of Gnathang Machong constituency in East Sikkim are all set to adopt organic tea plantation at Thekabong Parkha GPU, Riwa Machong GPU, Rolep Lamaten GPU and Latuk Chochenpheri GPU. The experiment begins 23 August with a formal inauguration by the area MLA , Buildings & Housing Minister DT Lepcha, a press release informs. In the first phase, one lakh twenty five thousand saplings will be planted, it is informed. To begin with, 25 acres is being developed in the four GPUs for tea plantation, the release informs.

Organic, by Law

STATE GOVT MAKES IT OFFICIAL – UNAUTHORIZED IMPORT OR USE OF CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS AND PESTICIDES IS NOW A CRIMINAL OFFENCE IN SIKKIM

VISHNU NEOPANEY
The Sikkim Agricultural, Horticultural Input and Livestock Feed Regulatory Ordinance, 2014 came into operation from 21 October onwards following its promulgation by the Governor. The Ordinance seeks to give shape to a law for further promotion and regulation of procedures to achieve Organic State recognition for Sikkim in keeping with its projected deadline of December 2015. Mission Organic Sikkim, it may be mentioned here, was essentially a voluntary undertaking of farmers here with the State Government extending support and training. With the promulgation of the new Ordinance, it has now become illegal to import, sell or use chemical fertilizers or pesticides in farming or livestock management in Sikkim without prior permission of the State authorities. The pursuit of Organic Sikkim is now a legally binding.
Principal Director-Cum-Secretary, Horticulture Department, Khorlo Bhutia, who is also Mission In-charge of Sikkim Organic Mission, when contacted to explain the urgency that necessitated the promulgation of an Ordinance on the issue instead of waiting till the Winter Session of the Assembly to pass an Act, informed that the move provides more lead time for the agency to pursue the Sikkim Organic Mission with renewed vigour and clear direction and now, also legally binding mandate.
A law to this extent was required as a final push for the final year of Sikkim’s process of becoming fully Organic, the officer highlighted.
As for the Ordinance, it puts on record that, “the Governor is satisfied that circumstances exist which render it necessary for him to take immediate action”.
Meanwhile, what cannot be ignored is the politics that has attached itself to the Sikkim Organic Mission with the Opposition SKM and the State Government trading allegations on it for a while now. There is also the question of image since Organic Sikkim has attracted much attention at the national and international level, starting with featuring in the popular television series Satyamev Jayate and now with Prime Minister Narendra Modi singing its praises at forums as diverse as his address in Parliament to his speech in Nepal. Sikkim had announced its pursuit of Organic State status in the year 2003, undertaken it as a mission statement in 2009. Now, with so much limelight focused on it, the pressure has increased on the State and its authorities to deliver.
And hence an Ordinance banning chemical fertilizers and pesticides even though the Winter Session of the Assembly is not more than a month away. A binding process is underway to regulate the import, sale, distribution and use of inorganic agricultural and horticultural inputs and livestock feed, on record “to prevent risk to human beings or animals and environment and to make the State of Sikkim an Organic State and for matters connected organic farming”.
Now that the Ordinance has came into force, the Department has begun the process of framing the attendant rules which are expected to be notified next week.
Mr. Bhutia informs that once the rules have been notified, growers will not be able to use chemical fertilizers or such inorganic inputs for cultivation of crops.  Only organic seeds and plant materials shall be permitted, he underlines. Only Organic inputs such as farmyard manure, compost, vermi-compost, green manures, bio-fertilizers, etc will be permitted for use for soil nutrient management and bio pesticides for management of insect pests and diseases.
The Ordinance also sets more stringent guidelines and specifications. For instance, while it directs that organic seed and plant materials be used for cultivation, it also allows relaxations when certified organic seed and plant materials are not available. Chemically untreated conventional materials can be used with the permission of the State Government, the Ordinance allows. It is however strict in prohibiting the use of genetically engineered seeds, pollen, trans-gene plants or plant material is prohibited for cultivation.
Organic Sikkim is clearly not just about farming and livestock is an important constituent as well. The Ordinance takes care of this aspect as well with a ban on synthetic and chemically treated feeds. A welcome ban has been extended to livestock feed containing Atrazine, Arsenic based compounds and all forms of Animal Protein including chicken litter from use in Poultry and Cattle Farming. The following products can no longer be added to the feed given to farm animals in Sikkim: synthetic growth stimulants; synthetic appetizers; artificial colouring agents; farm animals by products; pure amino acids; and genetically engineered organisms or products thereof.
The Ordinance, on implementation, will also help in protection of habitat of the hill state as recorded in Sub-section a & b of Section 7 of the Ordinance which states that “…any inorganic Agricultural, Horticultural Inputs, Livestock Feed which is for the time being prohibited and restricted for the protection and preservation of any area defined as a Habitat; and any inorganic Agricultural, Horticultural Inputs, Livestock Feed in contravention of any other provision of this Ordinance or of any rule made there under.”
Violation of the provisions of the Ordinance and its Rules will attract imprisonment extending up to three months and/or fine of at least Rs. 25,000 [but not exceeding Rs 1,00,000]. The provision for offences and punishment in the Ordinance further state that “…if any person who has been convicted of the commission of an offence punishable under this Ordinance shall be punished for the second and every subsequent offence with a fine which may extend to twice the amount imposed on him in his previous conviction.”
Violations are however not cognizable offences and prosecution shall be instituted only by official/ officials authorised to do so by general or special order issued by the State Government. All offences under this Ordinance or rules will be triable in the Court of Judicial Magistrate.
Products for Use in Fertilizing and Soil Conditioning
Matter Produced on an Organic Farm Unit
• Farmyard and poultry manure, slurry, urine Permitted
• Crop residues and green manure Permitted
• Straw and other mulches Permitted
Matter Produced Outside the Organic Farm Unit
• Blood meal, meat meal, bone meal and feather meal without Preservatives Restricted
• Compost made from any carbon based residues (Animal excrement including poultry) Restricted
• Farmyard manure, slurry, urine Restricted
      (“factory” farming sources Prohibited)
• Fish and fish products without preservatives Restricted
• Guano Restricted
• Human excrement   Prohibited
• By-products from the food and textile industries of biodegradable material of microbial, plant or animal origin without any synthetic additives. Restricted
• Peat without synthetic additives (prohibited for soil conditioning)   Permitted
• Sawdust, wood shavings, wood provided it comes from untreated wood Permitted

• Seaweed and seaweed products obtained by physical processes, extraction with water or aqueous acid and/or alkaline solution Restricted

• Sewage sludge and urban composts from separated sources which are monitored for contamination Restricted

• Straw Restricted
• Vermicasts Restricted
• Animal charcoal Restricted
• Compost and spent mushroom and vermiculate substances Restricted
• Compost from organic household reference Restricted
• Compost from plant residues Restricted





• By products from oil palm, coconut and cocoa (including empty fruit bunch, palm oil mill effluent (pome), cocoa peat and empty cocoa pods) Restricted
• By products of industries processing ingredients from organic agriculture Restricted
Minerals
• Basic slag Restricted
• Calcareous and magnesium rock Restricted
• Calcified seaweed Permitted
• Calcium chloride Permitted
• Calcium carbonate of network origin (chalk, limestone, gypsum and phosphate chalk) Permitted
• Mineral potassium with low chlorine content (e.g. sulphate of potash, kainite, sylvinite, patenkali) Restricted
• Natural phosphates (e.g. Rock phosphates) Restricted
• Pulverized rock Restricted
• Sodium chloride Permitted
• Trace elements  (baron, In, Fe, Mn, Molybdenum, Zn) Restricted
• Woo dash from untreated wood Restricted
• Potassium sulphate Restricted
• Magnesium sulphate (Epson salt) Permitted
• Gypsum (calcium sulphate) Permitted
• Stillage and stillage extract Permitted
• Aluminum calcium phosphate Restricted
• Sulphur Restricted
• Stone mill Restricted
• Clay (bentonite, perlite, zeolite) Permitted
Microbiological Preparations
• Bacterial preparations (biofertilizers) Permitted
• Biodynamic preparations Permitted
• Plant preparations and botanical extracts Permitted
• Vermiculate Permitted
• Peat Permitted

Products for Plant Pest and Disease Control
I. Substances from plant and animal origin
• Azadirachta indica [neem preparations (neem oil)] Restricted
• Preparation of rotenone from Derris elliptica Restricted
• Lonchocarpus, Thephrosia spp. Restricted
• Gelatin Permitted
• Propolis Restricted
• Plant based extracts (e.g. neem, garlic, pongamia, etc.)   Permitted
• Preparation on basis of pyrethrins extracted from Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium, containing possibly a synergist pyrethrum cinerafolium Restricted

• Preparation from Quassia amara Restricted
• Release of parasite predators of insect pests Restricted
• Preparation from Ryania species Restricted
• Tobacco tea Prohibited
• Lecithin Restricted
• Casein Permitted
• Sea weeds, sea weed meal, sea weed extracts, sea salt and salty water Restricted

• Extract from mushroom (Shiitake fungus)   Permitted
• Extract from Chlorella   Permitted
• Fermented product from Aspergillus Restricted
• Natural acids (vinegar) Restricted
II. Minerals
• Chloride of lime/soda Restricted
• Clay (e.g. bentonite, perlite, vermiculite, zeolite) Permitted
• Copper salts / inorganic salts (Bordeaux mix, copper hydroxide, copper oxychloride)used as a fungicide, maximum 8 kg per ha per year depending upon the crop and under the supervision of inspection and certification agency Restricted

• Mineral powders (stone meal, silicates) Prohibited
• Diatomaceous earth Restricted
• Light mineral oils Restricted
• Permanganate of potash Restricted
• Lime sulphur (calcium polysulphide Restricted
• Silicates (sodium silicate, quartz) Restricted
• Sodium bicarbonate Permitted






• Sulphur (as a fungicide, acaricide, repellent) Restricted
III. Microorganisms / Biocontrol agents
• Viral preparations (e.g., Granulosis viruses, Nuclear polyhydrosis, viruses etc.). Permitted
• Fungal preparations (e.g., Trichoderma species etc.) Permitted
• Bacterial preparations  (e.g., Bacillus species etc.) Permitted
• Parasites, predators and sterilized insects.” Permitted
IV. Others
• Carbon dioxide and nitrogen gas Restricted
• Soft soap (potassium soap) Permitted
• Ethyl alcohol Prohibited
• Homeopathic and Ayurvedic preparations   Permitted
• Herbal and biodynamic preparations Permitted
Traps
• Physical methods (e.g., chromatic traps, mechanical traps, light traps, sticky traps and pheromones) Permitted

• Mulches, nets Permitted


List of Approved Feed Materials, Feed Additives and Processing Aids for Animal Nutrition
1. Feed Materials of Plant Origin
• Cereals grains, their products and by - products
• Oilseeds, oil fruits, their products and by – products
• Legume seed, their products and by - products
• Tuber roots, their products and by – products
• Other seeds and fruits
• Forages and roughages
• Molasses as a binding agent

2. Feed Material of Mineral Origin
• Seasalt, rocksalt Restricted
• Sodium sulphate Restricted
• Sodium carbonate Restricted
• Sodium bicarbonate Restricted
• Sodium chloride Restricted
• Calcium carbonate Restricted
• Calcium lactate Restricted
• Calcium gluconate Restricted
• Bone dicalcium phosphate precipitate Restricted
• De fluorinated dicalcium phosphate Restricted
• Anhydrousmagnesia Restricted
• Magnesium sulphate Restricted
• Magnesium chloride Restricted
• Magnesium carbonate Restricted

3. Trace Elements
• Iron Feed additives
• Iodine Feed additives
• Cobalt Feed additives
• Manganese Feed additives
• Zinc Feed additives
• Molydenum Feed additives
• Selenium Feed additives

4. Vitamins     Restricted

5. Enzymes Restricted

6. Micro-organisms Restricted

Second round organic farming held in Zingla-Masha ward

GANGTOK, 27 Aug [IPR]: Second round ward level farmers training on organic farming and certification in Zingla Masha ward under Byeng Phegyong GPU was conducted by SIMFED on 21 August. Similar trainings were conducted in Lower Chisopani, Upper Chisopani and Tinek Wards under Sirwani Chisopani GPU in East Sikkim, informs a press release.
The training this time stressed upon the organic method of controlling diseases and pests. Kishan Singh of Maple Organics conducted on-farm demonstration of various organic inputs. Same inputs were also distributed to the farmers. All trainings witnessed video screening on organic farming and harmful effects of inorganic farming, the release mentions.
The trainings were attended by all respective Ward panchayats and concerned line Departmental officials along with SIMFED ICS Officials and field functionaries.

Organic Farming training at Karmithang

GANGTOK, 01 Aug: A ward-level training on Organic Farming and its Certification process was organized by International Panaacea Ltd in association with Sikkim Organic Mission at   Karmithang, Central Pendam GPU, on 30 July, a press release informs. Horticulture Deputy Director Pincho Bhutia, Majhitar Unit, and Pushpa Lal Dahal, Custer Incharge, International Panaacea Limited, were present as resource persons.

SIMFED organizes GPU and ward level programme on Organic Farming and Internal Control Systems

GANGTOK, 03 July: GPU level Orientation Programme on Organic Farming and Certification was conducted by SIMFED in seven GPUs of North, East and South Sikkim from 23-30 June.
The programmes were held in Menrongong, Phensong and Kabi Tingda GPUs in North Sikkim on 23, 24, and 25 June respectively; Byeng Phegyong, Sirwani Chisopani and West Pendam GPUs of East Sikkim on 19, 26 and 28 June respectively and; Rateypani GPU of South Sikkim on 30 June, informs a SIMFED release.  
The resource persons for these programmes were RN Sharma (CONCEDE), Tashi Bhutia (IPL), Ramesh Sharma (IPL) supported by SIMFED ICS officials and staff. The programme saw the screening of the Prime Minister’s speech in the Parliament wherein Sikkim’s Organic Mission was spoken highly of and a short film on Organic Cultivation and after effects of inorganic farming with clippings of actor, Amir Khan’s T.V. serial “Satyamev Jayate” featuring Sikkim’s Organic Mission.
The gathering was informed about the details of Internal Control System, features of Organic Farming with organic methods of pest & disease management and soil fertility enhancement.
The programme witnessed a lot of interaction amongst the visiting resource persons, Line Department Officials, farmers and Panchayats. During the Interaction Sessions clarifications to questions and queries were made with regards to ICS, Organic Farming Certification and marketing of Organic produces, packages & practices of Kharif crops, the release mentions.
The Programme was also attended by Joint Director (Training) Sikkim Organic Mission, ND Bhutia, all Panchayats, members of Growers Group Committees, school children along with their teachers, VLWs, ADOs, Inspectors of the concerned line Departments along with the farmers.
The programmes in each of these GPUs concluded with plantation of saplings of various species of trees on the occasion of “Paryavaran Mahotsav”. On the occasion, short deliberation was also made to the gathering on conservation of nature and waste management including an interactive session. The plantation was carried out by the students, Panchayats, farmers, visiting Line Departmental Officials and resource persons along with SIMFED ICS field functionaries and officials.

Organic training at Simik-Lingzey GPU

GANGTOK, 26 June: Sikkim Organic Mission of the State Government, in association with the International Panaacea Limited, organized a training for farmers of Simik Lingzey GPU. The training, organized on 23 and 24 June, at Simik, Subithang, Aritar and Lingzey wards was attended by Agriculture Inspector NK Dahal, staff of IPL and farmers of the respective areas.

Mevedir organic farming training at Rey-Mindu

GANGTOK, 23 June: A ward-level farmers training on “Organic Farming and Certification” was organized by Mevedir, a Gangtok-based service provider for organic certification, at the Panchayat Bhawan, Rey- Mindu GPU on 21 June.
A Mevedir press release informs that FS&ADD Deputy Director, CM Upreti was the main resource person for the training, while other resource persons included ADO Dr Pratap Subba, VLW, Dechen Donka Lepcha and Field Assistants, Sherap Lepcha and Mukesh Chettri of FS&ADD.

GVK level orientation on organic farming

GANGTOK, 26 Dec: GVK level orientation programme for Panchayats and progressive farmers on organic farming and certification was held at GVK Tintek today. The programme was organized by Sikkim Organic Mission, Agriculture department in association with Sresta Natural Bio Products [Service Provider for Internal Control System]. A press release informs that around 150 persons participated in the programme which was also attended by Deputy Director (Agriculture), CM Upreti, Team of Sresta Natural Bio products, field staffs of Agriculture and Horticulture Deptt.
A similar programme was also held at Duga, Gram Vikas Kendra on 23 December. The programme was organized by Sikkim Organic Mission under FS & ADD and H & CCDD, Government of Sikkim in association with International Panaacea Limited [Service provider agency for ICS].
During the interaction session farmers and Panchayat of different wards discussed various issues related to the facilities and schemes under H & CCDD and FS & ADD, informs a press release.

Training cum awareness meet held on Organic Agriculture Management

GANGTOK, 18 Sept: Farmers’ training cum awareness programme on ‘Organic Agriculture Management’ was held here at Soureni, East Sikkim, today. The programme was jointly organized by Sikkim Organic Mission, Agriculture Department and Concede Organization [Soreong-based NGO].
A total of 30 farmers from Soureni and its surrounding areas participated in the programme.
This is the third phase of the programme on organic agriculture management going on at Assam Lingzey whereas the first phase concluded at Rhenock recently. The second phase at Rongli was started in the month of March 2013.
Sensitizing the farmers of Soureni on organic agriculture management, working president, Concede Organization, RN Sharma said that organic agriculture is a unique production management system which promotes and enhances the health of the agro-ecosystem including biodiversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity. This, he added, is accomplished by using on-farm agronomic, biological and mechanical methods excluding all synthetic off-farm inputs. He also highlighted the need to generate knowledge and skills on various organic farming practices, so as to equip farmers for organic agricultural production and management.
Stressing on organic farming, Mr Sharma said, “It is the vision of the Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling, to make Sikkim a fully organic state by 2015 and it is our responsibility to make this possible”.  Pointing out the disadvantages of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, he appealed to the farmers to go for quality instead of quantity. There is huge demand for buckwheat, cardamom, ginger and millet, he added.
Likewise, vice president of Ward Panchayat, 27 Assam Lingzey GPU, Yadunandan Sharma informed that similar programmes would also be conducted in each ward and GPU. He urged all farmers to attend the programme.
The function was also addressed by Prem Chhetri [general secretary, Concede Organization], Santosh Chettri [executive member], and Subhadra Rai [former Zilla Panchayat Assam Lingzey, GPU]. An interactive session was also held on the day.

Awareness on organic farming at Wok Omchu

NAMCHI, 16 Sept: An awareness programme on organic farming was conducted for the progressive farmers of Wok Omchu in South Sikkim today which was organized by Wok Omchu Zilla Panchayat. The programme was attended by Zilla Panchayat, Issac Lepcha, Field Supervisor MORARKA Foundation, Tarbu Ongdi Targain, Panchayat members and officers from the departments.
During the programme resource persons of the programme informed about various positive aspects of organic farming and also informed that there is huge demand for organic products in the national and international markets.
Zilla Panchayat, Issac Lepcha informed about various schemes and programme of the government and also appealed to all the progressive farmers to coordinate with the government and help to make Sikkim a fully organic state. “Wok Omchu is doing well in terms of off-season vegetable cultivation and getting good prices for their produce. Farmers must take up the organic method to grow their crops for which the concerned government departments and Panchayats will give full support to the farmers”, he said.
The farmers in turn shared their experiences and problems in practicing organic farming and also placed their agricultural demands to the Zilla Panchayat.

Awareness on organic farming held at Duga

AAMIR KHAN’S “SATYAMEV JAYATE” TV CREW SHOOTS SESSION
GANGTOK, 13 April: An awareness-cum-training programme on Organic Farming its benefits and certification process was organized on 12 April by International Panaacaa Limited (Service provider Agency for ICS) in association with Sikkim Organic Mission Food Security & Agriculture Development Department at Duga, East Sikkim. A press release informs that farmers from 8 wards were present in this awareness-cum-training programme.
State Project Coordinator, International Panaacea Limited, Hoshiar Singh Vashishtha highlighting the key issues of Organic farming and its Certification process explained the process, documentation and demonstration aspects.
Land and Soil, Water, Human health, Forest & Environment, Wild life and livestock details are vital issues for Internal Control System. Before accepting the Organic farming there are many documentation process which have to be maintained by all of us, he informed.
He emphasized that before getting the Scope Certificate for Organic products, there are various documentation process and practices which have to be maintained by the farmer community. Land documentation (checking of Parcha) to verify the land and its area, Farmers diary, Internal checklists, field map, detail of live stock, soil fertility, water test, detail of manure etc.
The process for organic farming and its certification process is very tough. After completion of the documentation process all important information data will be entered in a website called “TRACENET” to trace out the information of each farmer. Once this is done Agricultural & Processed Food Products Expert Development Authority (APEDA) will check and verify then they will issue  Registration or Identification Number (ID No.) to each farmer. After wards Certification Agencies will carry out their activities, inspection of documentation as well as field verification then only the  process will begin for Scope Certificate, he informed.
State Project In-charge, Vimal Prakash in his address emphasized on farm input management. He described about the soil health and its recommendations which was collected from the field of the farmers.
Additional Executive Director, Sikkim Organic Mission, K.K. Pradhan spoke on soil fertility management and the importance of DOLOMITE which enhance the fertility of soil in organic farming.
Convener, Farmer Cell, DN Sapkota spoke on the policy and programme made by the Government for the benefit for our famer community. CEO, Onecert Asia Agri. Certification Agency, Sandeep Bhargav highlighted the issues regarding certification and inspection methods. He urged the farmers to understand and follow the process of documentation which are provided by the Service provider Agency as after 2015 it has to be continued and there will be no such Service Provider Agency, in this case farmers themselves have to do all documentation work.
At the end of the programme, a television crew visited the site and recorded all the activities of the programme, the release informs. The crew was from Aamir Khan’s film production unit which is coming up with a new show ‘Satyamev Jayate’ on Star Plus highlighting various social issues. Khan who was in the state last month was briefed about the organic farming mission in the state during his visit and so he was interested in the highlighting the subject on his show, the release further mentions.

SICB takes livelihood school trainees for hands-on organic farming training to Madhya Pradesh

GANGTOK, 14 Mar: The State Institute of Capacity Building (SICB), Karfectar, South Sikkim has organized an exposure-cum-outreach program for 19 (nineteen) trainees of Martam-Rumtek and 06 (six) trainees of Rhenock Livelihood Schools respectively along with two escort teachers for undergoing one month hands-on training on “Dhabholkar’s Method of Organic Farming” and “Natueco Farming” at Malpani Trust, Krushi Teerth, SHARAN, at Madhya Pradesh.
A press release informs that the trainees will learn sustainable soil making without any market input. They will be trained on various aspects like  Soil Management, Root and Canopy Management, Pruning, Water Management, Treatment of Sick Plants, Importance of Biodiversity, Enrichment of soil by recycling biomass and by establishing a proper energy chain, Harvesting the sun through proper plant canopy management for efficient photosynthesis, Development and maintenance of white root zones of the plant for efficient absorption of nutrients and Minimizing the use of external resources including water. They will be also trained on “How to plan your own farm”.
According to the release the trainees will also be trained in Natueco Farming which has a strong correlation with how we use energy and water as a resource. In an age where farming is considered as a source of income, Natueco brings home the point that such activity needs to be holistic and stem from a larger vision.
Natueco farming and its practice requires one to draw connections of their life with this culture and live in sync with the other elements in their immediate environment. For instance, healthy soil with balanced composition of elements and microbes improves not only the health of the plant but also transcends into the life of people interacting with this environment, the release mentions.
SICB has taken this task as a Pilot Project, to have ‘Visible Productivity'  in the field of Agriculture and other allied sectors, the release adds. The whole program was coordinated and collaborated by Deputy Director (C.P & E), Ranjan Rai under the guidance of Chief Administrator of SICB, SD Dhakal.

Third batch begin training for organic farming field functionaries in South Sikkim

NAMCHI, 13 Mar: The third batch of the three-month training for organic farming field functionaries of South district commenced today at Bermiok Tokal Livelihood School for Organic Farming situated at Bermiok Tokal Agriculture Farm under Temi Namphing Constituency. A total of 104 educated unemployed youth of South District are enrolled in the third batch.
Deputy Director and In-charge of the school, Sonam Gyatso Bhutia briefed the participants on the aim and objective of the training and the state governments’ vision of making Sikkim a fully organic state by 2015. He said that the government wants to ensure employment opportunities for youth in this sector.
Resource persons from Morarka Foundation, a service provider agency, Mohan Chaudhary informed that a 100 days curriculum has been prepared for the training that includes one month each for theory, practical and project preparation. The successful candidates will be provided with a job as field functionaries in various service providing agencies working within and outside the state, he informed.
Additional Director, Sikkim Organic Mission (SOM), Kiran Kumar Pradhan later informed that till now 6,000 hectares of land has been certified and other 38,000 hectares are in the process of conversion out of the total 58, 000 hectares of land to be certified within the targeted period i.e 2015. With the completion of the targeted area, Sikkim will be totally organic by 2015 as per the vision of the state government, said Mr. Pradhan.
He further informed that the training for field functionaries of West District at Daramdin Livelihood School will commence from 14 March and for East and North Districts it will begin at Tadong Livelihood School from 15 March.
He mentioned that 460 candidates have passed out from these livelihood schools and most of them have got employment under various service provider agencies.

Awareness on organic farming held at Dzongu

MANGAN, 27 Feb:  An awareness programme on organic farming was held for the farmers of Lingthem-Lingdem GPU, Dzongu at Lingthem club house today. The programme was conducted by Sikkim Organic Mission supported by Horticulture department and the implementing agency MR Morarka Foundation.
Thirty-two farmers attended the programme which had Panchayat Secretary, Lingthem-Lingdem GPU as the chief guest. The main objective of the programme was to provide farmers registration in organic farming.
Benefits of organic farming in future and marketing values, soil fertility management (Vermi compose pits, NSDL-Natural Suraksha Decompose Liquid & Pit compose), pest management, etc were taken up during the programme.
The programme was conducted by Project Officer, Tilak Pradhan, Morarka Foundation, field supervisors, Sonam Ongdup Lepcha and Phul Maya Tamang.

SAMETI organises training on Advanced Technology for Organic Farming

GANGTOK, 30 Nov: State Agriculture Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI) organized a three-day training programme on advanced technologies for organic farming in collaboration with Extension Education Institute (EEI), Jorhat, Assam for Extension officers from 28-30 Nov, informs a press release.

SIMFED introduces Rateypani and West Pendam farmers to organic farming of medicinal herbs

GANGTOK, 23 May: Sikkim State Co-op Supply & Marketing Federation Limited [SIMFED] is one of the agencies tasked with facilitating Sikkim’s Organic Mission and is currently involved in establishing the Internal Control System [as part of Organic certification] of a 1,030 hectare area spread across Rateypani and West Pendam GPUs in South and West Sikkim.
While working on awareness generation in the area, SIMFED realized that farmers were apprehensive about finding markets for their produce and hesitant to change cropping patterns. Thus, in a move aimed at introducing farmers at the two GPUs of the kind of opportunities available, and to initiate organic farming in a big way, SIMFED roped in the assistance of Himalaya Drug Company, a pharmaceutical multinational company based in Bangalore.