Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Technology Week 2009 @ ICAR,Gangtok



Gangtok,Nov24 : Krishi Vigyan Kendra, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre, Ranipool, has organized Technology Week 2009, on the theme “Farmers’ empowerment and livelihood improvement through technology based support” at Ranipool, from November 23 to 29.
The inaugural programme of the Technology Week 2009 on November 23 started in the morning with felicitation of Chief Guest Mr. Bhim Dungel, Mininster for Forest, Environment, Science & Technology, Govt. of Sikkim, and other dignitaries. The Chief Guest inaugurated the programme by lightening lamp. Dr. H. Rahman, Joint Director, ICAR Sikkim Centre, in his welcome address highlighted the activities of ICAR and the agenda for Technology Week by the KVK.
Sustainable livelihood in hills could be achieved by focusing on the improvement of livelihood option of household and harnessing local mountain resources which are compatible with the mountainous agro-climatic condition. Though more than 65 per cent of the total population of the state depends entirely on agriculture, rarely they generate surplus income after meeting their daily requirements. Improved farm technologies are hardly reached to the farming community. Due to non availability of suitable local resource based technology, most of the farmers are still practising the traditional farming methods, thereby putting their livelihood condition at stake.
The Technology week aims to provide awareness among the farming community of the East Sikkim through Crop Seminar followed by farmer-scientist interaction to provide a common platform where farmers get the opportunity to share their experiences, express their problems and get instant solutions in consultation with researchers, developmental experts, implementing agencies (state line departments), bankers, marketing agencies, cooperatives and other stakeholders.
A quiz competition was held on the day for the farmers to get exposed and clarified on some of the common questions related to various fields. The winners were awarded with inputs/ demonstration kits sponsored by different organizations along with certificates, it is informed.
An agricultural exhibition is arranged by different organizations to showcase the various activities, which provide an opportunity to the farmers to enrich their knowledge through varied exposure to different modern technologies/products in the field of agriculture and allied fields relevant to agro-ecological situation of the region.
More than 150 farmers from different villages of East Sikkim district are participating in the programme who are selected from the village level SHG/ Farmers’ Club / Farmers’ Interest Group (FIG) of the district. (With KVK input)
On the occasion, Chief Guest and other dignitaries released the 1st edition of KVK Newsletter, eight number of technical folders and one Technology Bulletin under Technology Mission-I in the cause of the farming communities as well as other stakeholders. Chief Guest also distributed technology kits to selected farmers, inaugurated the farmers exhibition and visited stalls in the exhibition, the release informed.

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