Tour-cum-training programme

SHILLONG: The battalion of Assam Rifles in Manipur under the aegis of HQ IGAR (South) organised ‘Organic Farming Tour to Sikkim’ at Raj Bhavan on Saturday. The tour-cum-training for 50 farmers from the Northeastern states, which was flagged by the Governor of Manipur Najma Heptulla, was coordinated by State Agriculture Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI), Sikkim. The training included lectures on Sikkim Organic Mission, pest and disease management in organic farming system, preparation of fertilisers, bio composts and herbal medicines. Information on the key schemes of the government to include crop insurance through Pradhan Mantari Fasal Bima Yojana was also provided. Apart from the presentations, the tour carried out extensive field visits to organic farms at ICAR- NOFRI, ATMA Farm Schools and Farmers Field at Duga Kameray, Pakyong and Orchid Farm at Rumtek. The farmers were able to gain practical knowledge on organic ways of soil testing, controlling pests, various harvesting technologies along with an exposure to the emerging markets.