Farmers trained on vermi-compost and vermi-wash in Upper Dzongu

MANGAN, 10 Oct:  A daylong training cum awareness on production and use of vermi-compost and vermi-wash in organic farming was organized by Agricultural Technology Management Agency, (ATMA) North at Namprik in Upper Dzongu, North Sikkim today.
During the programme, the Joint Director North, TT Lepcha informed that ATMA is an autonomous and centrally sponsored body under the Agriculture Department which provides different kinds of agricultural training to farmers. He also urged all the farmers to be more involved in the organic mission which the state hopes to achieve by 2015.
The chief guest, Power Minister cum area MLA Dzongu, Sonam Gyatso Lepcha highlighted the health benefits of consuming organic produce. He also announced the construction of VLW quarter at Namprik as demanded by the people.
The Deputy Director, Tshering Norbu Bhutia gave a presentation on light trap and vermi-wash to the people with field demonstration. The function was also addressed by Zilla member, Chungden Lepcha who urged the people to follow the instructions given by the departmental officials.
Three progressive farmers were also provided with light trap equipment.

Rakdong farmers trained on pest and disease management

MANGAN, 06 Oct: Training on vegetable cultivation, pest and disease management was held at Upper Rakdong in East Sikkim. The training was chaired by Deputy Director (Horticulture) Samdong, Sub Division, Mingma Pulger where she encouraged the farmers and SHG members to cultivate more vegetables.
Likewise, Manager, Sresta Natural Bioproducts Pvt Ltd (ICS service provider Under Sikkim Organic Mission), Deepak Gautam trained farmers on pest and disease management and on making good quality compost and bio pesticides. He highlighted the aims and objectives of Sikkim Organic Mission.
HDO, Rabin Gurung, KL Koirala and panchayat members were also present in the programme. The Department’s officers distributed spray machines and different vegetable seeds to SHGs and farmers.
Field In-charge, Yadu Sharma of Sresta company gave a demonstration on making Jeevaamrit, a tonic for plants.