Gangtok, 21 Sept (IPR): Hon’ble Governor of Sikkim, Shri Ganga Prasad, along with Additional Chief Secretary to Governor, Dr. K. Jaya Kumar, IAS, and other senior officials from Raj Bhawan visited various places of organic farming at Assam Lingzey, Sikkim State Cooperative Union (SICUN) and the ICAR Complex today.
In the morning, the Governor visited organic farm of Shri D.N. Sapkota, a leading farmer in organic vegetables at Assam Linzey, and inspected the farm including the chilli pepper green house and various other organic crops including its preparation and how it is being used in every farming household of Sikkim.
“Organic farming is a farming method that involves growing and nurturing crops without the use of synthetic based fertilizers and pesticides,” Shri Sapkota added.
The Governor also saw the manufacturing of vermi-compost and manually produced fertilizers.
Major objectives for visiting the farms were to know about the methods of organic farming in Sikkim and to study about the processing activities, the methods of cultivation of different fruit crops and to have an understanding of the economic activities of a self processing farming unit.
The Governor was also briefed about how the mix crops including fruits, vegetables, cash crops are cultivated as an organic vegetation.
Farmers and villagers of Assam Lingzey GPU and senior officials from Agriculture and Horticulture Departments shared details about organic farming and its various methods.
Further, the Governor was explained about the importance of organic farming, packaging practices of various crops and also about its production and marketing.
During the interactive session, senior officials from concerned departments also briefed about the schemes and initiatives provided to the farmers of Sikkim by the State Government. Representatives from local Self Help Groups also shared their experiences on organic farming and its benefits.
In the afternoon, the Governor visited SICUN and met with the Panchayats and public gathered there wherein he was informed and briefed about the function of SICUN and its role in the State of Sikkim.
The Governor also visited the ICAR Complex in Tadong which is also an organic farming unit and which produces high quality products from nature.
During his visit, a PowerPoint presentation was presented on upgradation of ICAR as a National Organic Farming Institute. The Governor also gave away Vanaraja chicken to two tribal beneficiaries under the Vanaraja Chicken Farming scheme.
The Governor on his visit to local areas expressed his gratitude and appreciated organic farming practiced by the farmers in Sikkim. Talking about organic farming, he appreciated and congratulated the State and said that the reason behind the attraction of tourists/outsiders in Sikkim is because of practices which has made a mark throughout the globe.
He also urged the public and concerned officers to disseminate and create more awareness about the benefits of organic farming as much as they can and assured them all possible help from his side.
During the visit, the Governor was welcomed with token of love and affection in the form of organic vegetables and organic products manufactured by SHGs.
