SIMFED training for the lillium growers

GANGTOK, October 4: The Sikkim State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation Limited (SIMFED) had organized two days training for the lillium growers under its contractual farming programme in Namchi, Rumtek, Simkhadka and Basilakha on September 30 and October 1.

In the programme, different company represented as the trainers were VWS, Holand, Green Erath (Organic fertilizer producing company), Ahmedabad, Himalayan Florica (Marketing Company), New Delhi, informs a press release.

John Brass, who represented VWS Company trained the participating growers. VWS, it is informed is one of the successful flower bulbs producer in Holand and pioneer in exporting flower bulbs in almost all countries along with India.

Providing the training Mr. Brass told about the bed preparation for lillium plantation, planting of bulbs and watering. He said the climatic condition of Sikkim is suitable for lillium plants. At the same time, he opined that the farmers needs proper knowledge regarding the lillium plantation as well more labour in this field

Mr. Lahari, Director, Green Earth highlighted on the topic like diseases in different plants, its sufferings and its protection, fertilization etc while Neeraj Chhetri, Proprietor, Himalayan Florica trained the farmers about the quality production of the flower, packaging and marketing. According to him Sikkim flower lacks in quality, packaging which is the great drawback in getting right prices in different markets of India. The competition in flower market enhances trouble in supplying the low quality products so that the growers need to work hard in this, Mr. Chhetri said.

The training took place under the supervision of DGM, SIMFED, Kailash Rai, the release said adding that the farmers from different areas of Sikkim benefited from it.

Simfed is also planning to provide more training programme for the farmers during harvesting time in December, especially to encourage and support farmers for their economic upliftment.
Besides flowers, Simfed has its contractual farming programme in fruits and vegetables