ATMA conducted training cum demonstration on Bordeaux Mixture

GANGTOK, 19 June: The North Sikkim unit of ATMA conducted a training cum demonstration on “Preparation and use of Bordeaux Mixture” for ginger growers of Gairee and Tingda wards of Kabi-Tingda constituency on 16 June. The training was attended by 30 ginger growers of the area.
Ginger being the main cash crop of the concerned localities, awareness cum demonstration on Organic management practices of pests and diseases by using locally available remedial measures was given due preference, a process which will not only reduce the overall cost of cultivation, but is also safe and highly effective in controlling the prevalent diseases of the crop, an official press release details.
Since its invention in 1885, the Bordeaux Mixture has been found to be quite effective in mitigating the problems of Fungal and Bacterial diseases and  its use is also permissible under Organic farming System (limit being 6.50 kg CuSo4 per ha.).
It can be prepared by mixing Copper Sulphate [locally called Neela Tutu or Neel Dhatu] and hydrated lime [or locally available Chuna powder] with water in different  proportions or ratio as per the requirement.
The training was also attended by the Tingda Panchayat and BTM, Norbu Dolma Bhutia of Kabi-Tingda.
After a brief interactive session in the morning, the farmers were taken to the nearby Ginger and Maize field by resource person Tsering Norbu Bhutia [Dy. Project Director, ATMA] and shown the pests and diseases which affect Ginger and their time and mode of infestation.
Although there are more control measures, Mr. Bhutia stressed on the use of Bordeaux Mixture for prevention and effective control of Fungal and Bacterial diseases. Subsequently, Method Demonstration of preparation of 1% Bordeaux Mixture was made in active participation with the farmers and the prepared solution sprayed in the field. After the programme, all the trainees were given 1kg each of Copper Sulphate and lime by the ATMA officials. The programme concluded with vote of thanks proposed by panchayat of Tingda ward.