GANGTOK, 08 May: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, North Sikkim, conducted extensive demonstrations across North district on the importance and efficacy of the improved “Vai-Bhaw Sickle” towards facilitating Organic Farming Systems in the state. This, because KVK believes that Organic Farming can be best served if farmer-friendly and cost effective technology is made available at the grass-root level.
The Vai-Bhaw sickle was introduced in the state by KVK, North Sikkim, because to its practical relevance under Organic Farming System, an official press release states. This sickle is light and its blade made in such a way that its efficacy is far greater than the conventional village sickle. Because of the unique angle of the blade, it can cut the paddy from its base delivering into higher straw yield [upto 25% higher] compared to harvesting done by ordinary conventional sickle and at the same time minimizes the incidence of one of the major pests of Paddy i.e., Stem Borer in the succeeding seasons, the release explains.
Impressed by the popularity and acceptance of this technology in the rice-growing belts of North Sikkim, the Jagriti Farmers’ Club of Tumin-Shaley ward of East district approached KVK with a request to organize an awareness programme on the technology at their area. Accordingly, KVK, North Sikkim conducted training cum demonstration programme on Vai-Bhaw Sickle on 05 May at Tumin-Shaley.
The programme had Zilla Panchayat Hemraj Adhakari as the chief guest accompanied by Panchayat of the concerned ward, Tara Ghimirey, as guest of honour. TT Bhutia and TN Bhutia of KVK were present as resource persons.
40 farmers and co-ordinators of the Farmers’ Club attended the programme and were provided with the Improved Sickle free of cost by KVK, North Sikkim.
The motive behind organizing such a programme by KVK, North Sikkim beyond its jurisdiction was to benefit the farming community through horizontal spread of proven technology demonstrated under FLD.
The Vai-Bhaw sickle was introduced in the state by KVK, North Sikkim, because to its practical relevance under Organic Farming System, an official press release states. This sickle is light and its blade made in such a way that its efficacy is far greater than the conventional village sickle. Because of the unique angle of the blade, it can cut the paddy from its base delivering into higher straw yield [upto 25% higher] compared to harvesting done by ordinary conventional sickle and at the same time minimizes the incidence of one of the major pests of Paddy i.e., Stem Borer in the succeeding seasons, the release explains.
Impressed by the popularity and acceptance of this technology in the rice-growing belts of North Sikkim, the Jagriti Farmers’ Club of Tumin-Shaley ward of East district approached KVK with a request to organize an awareness programme on the technology at their area. Accordingly, KVK, North Sikkim conducted training cum demonstration programme on Vai-Bhaw Sickle on 05 May at Tumin-Shaley.
The programme had Zilla Panchayat Hemraj Adhakari as the chief guest accompanied by Panchayat of the concerned ward, Tara Ghimirey, as guest of honour. TT Bhutia and TN Bhutia of KVK were present as resource persons.
40 farmers and co-ordinators of the Farmers’ Club attended the programme and were provided with the Improved Sickle free of cost by KVK, North Sikkim.
The motive behind organizing such a programme by KVK, North Sikkim beyond its jurisdiction was to benefit the farming community through horizontal spread of proven technology demonstrated under FLD.
