ICAR Sikkim state level research advisory committee meeting

PIB

Gangtok : ICAR Sikkim Centre has been working in close association with the state’s concerned departments and farmers for timely dissemination of scientific knowledge and technological backup to create self-reliance in terms of organic agriculture production. To create a common platform for effective interaction between researchers and users, ICAR Sikkim Centre on Monday held a state level research advisory committee meeting. The meeting was chaired by PT Bhutia, Secretary of the state Food Security and Agriculture and Development Department and Horticulture and Cash Crop Development Department. Other dignitaries from various state and related departments present on the occasion were RMDD Special Secretary Dr. Sandeep Tambe (IFS), HCCDD Principal Director Khorlo Bhutia, IFS, Sikkim Milk Union MD Dr. Senthil Kumar (IFS), NRC Orchid Director Dr. RP Medhi, PIB Director CK Dorjee, Dr. Yashoda Pradhan, Additional Director,; Shri N.T. Bhutia, HCCDD Additional Director (Research) Dr. KK Singh, ‘F’, GBPIHED ‘F’ scientist and Sikkim University Associate Professor Dr. S Manivannan and IBSD Regional Station in-charge Dr. Sunil Thorat. 

ICAR Sikkim Centre Joint Director Dr. RK Avasthe welcomed the dignitaries and presented the overall research and extension activities of the ICAR Sikkim Centre. He emphasised on the need for intensive research programmes including agriculture, horticulture and livestock components. Avasthe requested the august gathering for their valuable suggestions, which would help in developing the roadmap for future research and development programmes. In his inaugural speech, FSADD and HCCDD Secretary PT Bhutia applauded the role of the ICAR in Sikkim in ensuring enhanced cooperation and collaborative programmes. He pointed out the need for integrated farming systems with at least two production systems, including agriculture/horticulture and animal husbandry at village cluster levels. Bhutia further noted the need to develop programmes for organic milk production in Sikkim. Meanwhile, RMDD Special Secretary Dr. Sandeep Tambe (IFS) warned water would be the most precious commodity the near future and therefore, there is need to develop technologies for optimum use of stored water. 

He further raised the concerns of farmers regarding organic disease and pest management in large cardamom and non-availability of quality planting material. Tambe also pledged to conduct collaborative work in future with the ICAR under MNREGA. HCCDD Principal Director Khorlo Bhutia complimented the entire ICAR Sikkim Centre team for playing a pivotal role in developing agro-animal technology which has resulted in an increase in production of fresh vegetables, fruits, milk and meat. He suggested the Washington Navel and Sweet Orange varieties could be very successful in Sikkim and trials need to be conducted, while promising to share planting material of both varieties with the ICAR. Bhutia also emphasised on the importance of high quality organic seed production in Sikkim. Sikkim Milk Union’s Kumar accentuated the role of the ICAR in the region. He spoke of the urgent need to raise the SNF content in the milk being produced in Sikkim as it is lower compared to other states. It is necessary to take up research work on the synchronisation of the oestrus cycle in dairy animals and establishment of the embryo transfer technology facility at the ICAR Sikkim Centre.