Pakyong, Oct 14: The Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Pakyong district, has launched a Farm School on Integrated Organic Farming System (IOFS) at Agrigaon in Rhenock block to promote sustainable farming practices through hands-on, farmer-led learning.
Progressive farmer Meghnath Sharma has been designated as the Farm School Teacher. The initiative aims to help local cultivators learn scientific organic farming techniques and sustainable agricultural practices directly in the field.
The inaugural programme was coordinated by Amit Chettri, Agriculture Technology Manager, and opened with an address by Ramesh Sharma of the Pakyong Agriculture Department.
Addressing farmers, Rebecca Gurung, Deputy Director of Agriculture-cum-Deputy Project Director (ATMA), said the Farm School concept would help bridge the gap between scientific research and everyday farm management.
She explained that an Integrated Organic Farming System promotes a self-sustaining agricultural ecosystem by linking crops, livestock, soil health and water resources. The approach can help improve productivity while reducing input costs.
Gurung also encouraged farmers to avail themselves of government schemes, including PM-KISAN, the Kisan Credit Card (KCC), the National Food Security Mission (NFSM), Soil Health and Fertility initiatives, PMKSY’s Per Drop More Crop component and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
Officials from agriculture, horticulture, animal husbandry and fisheries departments also highlighted opportunities for farm diversification.
Krishna Kumar Dhakal, Agriculture Development Officer, Rhenock, encouraged farmers to increase production with technical support from the department. Keshori Devi Sharma, Horticulture Development Officer, outlined assistance available for high-value cash crops.
Veterinary Officer Roja Chettri urged farmers to protect their livestock through vaccination against Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) and Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) under the National Animal Disease Control Programme.
Fisheries officials also highlighted government schemes and encouraged farmers to integrate fish farming into their agricultural activities to supplement their income.
Local representatives, departmental field officers and farmers attended the programme. ATMA Pakyong aims to use the Farm School to strengthen practical agricultural knowledge, promote sustainable farming and improve rural livelihoods.
Also Read: AGP at 41: How the party reduced from firebrand vanguard to subdued coalition partner
Also Watch
Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.
Also, Follow us on-
Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub
Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020
Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub
Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub
The post Sikkim launches farmer-led Farm School to promote integrated organic farming appeared first on Hub News.