News & Announcement
Jalkund-Based Farming Initiative Launched in Ranka to Promote Fish-Vegetable Farming
Gangtok, August 1 (IPR): A day-long short term research-cum-design on Jalkund based fish and vegetables integrated farming was conducted here at Perbing, Ranka today.
The programme was organised by Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (ICAR-KVK) and Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Gangtok District.
Jalkund refers to a low-cost, micro-rainwater harvesting structure, particularly suitable for hilly terrains of Sikkim. The system helps in storing rainwater for irrigation while storing fish for agriculture benefits in the same tanks. It is a viable and sustainable solution for water management wherein the fish sludge is used to irrigate the crops. Fish sludge, a byproduct of aquaculture, can be a valuable resource in agriculture, offering several benefits. It's rich in nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, making it a useful biofertilizer.
Two beneficiaries from Perbing Ward in Ranka were chosen for trial in Jalkund system in the area. Mr Makar Bahadur Chettri and Mr Shekhar Kharel were handed fish feed and tarpulin for initiative of Jalkund project in the area. Furthermore, the concerned Departments will monitor progress of farmers before full-fledged implementation of the project in the region.
Chairman Agriculture Department Ms Lilly Rai, in her keynote address, shared success stories while she was working in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and motivated the dias to work together to emulate the success seen in the past. The Chairman stressed on export oriented agriculture wherein the farmer focuses to sell agriculture products beyond the borders of the State. The Chairman mentioned inclusion of mothers and female farmers in the agriculture field as they are active members of a community. Further, the Chairman congratulated the two beneficiaries for getting chosen for trial in Jalkund system. In her concluding remarks, the Chairman urged everyone in the community including community and the concerned Departments to collaborate to make Jalkund based fish and vegetable integration farming a success in the State.
ICAR-KVK Head and Scientist Dr Prakash Sharma in his address apprised to everyone the concept of Jalkand which is irrigation through fish waste. He also spoke at length on double advantage of Jalkan wherein the farmer can use the fish as income and also irrigate his farm with nutrients from fish waste at the same time.
Senior Scientist KVK Ranipool Horticulture Department Mr Boniface Lepcha cited success stories of Jalkan project in various regions. Further, he apprised everyone about the cost, construction of Jalkand tank, conservation of tank and advantages of Jalkand system in agriculture field. He reiterated words of Chairman by requesting the farmers to shift their focus towards export oriented agriculture in the State. In addition, he assured that the Department will leave no stone unturned in providing information about Jalkand system to the farmers.
Assistant Director Fisheries Department Mr Surendra Bhandari provided information on types of fish which can thrive in Perbing area. He highlighted schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and Mukhya Mantri Matsya Utpadan Yojana (MMMUY) which is helping people earn income through fish farming.
Deputy Director Agriculture department Ms Susmita Lama Tamang explained objectives behind the Jalkund based fish and vegetable integrated farming system in her welcome address.
During the programme, an interactive session between farmers and concerned Officers took place wherein various issues involving implementation of Jalkund system were discussed. The programme also saw field visit to a venue which has been designated for construction of tank for Jalkund system in Perbing Ward.
The day saw the presence of Officers of concerned line departments, BTM Ranka, ATM Ranka, Panchayat members of Perbing Ward, officials of Agriculture Department and farmers.
The programme was organised by Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (ICAR-KVK) and Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Gangtok District.
Jalkund refers to a low-cost, micro-rainwater harvesting structure, particularly suitable for hilly terrains of Sikkim. The system helps in storing rainwater for irrigation while storing fish for agriculture benefits in the same tanks. It is a viable and sustainable solution for water management wherein the fish sludge is used to irrigate the crops. Fish sludge, a byproduct of aquaculture, can be a valuable resource in agriculture, offering several benefits. It's rich in nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, making it a useful biofertilizer.
Two beneficiaries from Perbing Ward in Ranka were chosen for trial in Jalkund system in the area. Mr Makar Bahadur Chettri and Mr Shekhar Kharel were handed fish feed and tarpulin for initiative of Jalkund project in the area. Furthermore, the concerned Departments will monitor progress of farmers before full-fledged implementation of the project in the region.
Chairman Agriculture Department Ms Lilly Rai, in her keynote address, shared success stories while she was working in Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and motivated the dias to work together to emulate the success seen in the past. The Chairman stressed on export oriented agriculture wherein the farmer focuses to sell agriculture products beyond the borders of the State. The Chairman mentioned inclusion of mothers and female farmers in the agriculture field as they are active members of a community. Further, the Chairman congratulated the two beneficiaries for getting chosen for trial in Jalkund system. In her concluding remarks, the Chairman urged everyone in the community including community and the concerned Departments to collaborate to make Jalkund based fish and vegetable integration farming a success in the State.
ICAR-KVK Head and Scientist Dr Prakash Sharma in his address apprised to everyone the concept of Jalkand which is irrigation through fish waste. He also spoke at length on double advantage of Jalkan wherein the farmer can use the fish as income and also irrigate his farm with nutrients from fish waste at the same time.
Senior Scientist KVK Ranipool Horticulture Department Mr Boniface Lepcha cited success stories of Jalkan project in various regions. Further, he apprised everyone about the cost, construction of Jalkand tank, conservation of tank and advantages of Jalkand system in agriculture field. He reiterated words of Chairman by requesting the farmers to shift their focus towards export oriented agriculture in the State. In addition, he assured that the Department will leave no stone unturned in providing information about Jalkand system to the farmers.
Assistant Director Fisheries Department Mr Surendra Bhandari provided information on types of fish which can thrive in Perbing area. He highlighted schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) and Mukhya Mantri Matsya Utpadan Yojana (MMMUY) which is helping people earn income through fish farming.
Deputy Director Agriculture department Ms Susmita Lama Tamang explained objectives behind the Jalkund based fish and vegetable integrated farming system in her welcome address.
During the programme, an interactive session between farmers and concerned Officers took place wherein various issues involving implementation of Jalkund system were discussed. The programme also saw field visit to a venue which has been designated for construction of tank for Jalkund system in Perbing Ward.
The day saw the presence of Officers of concerned line departments, BTM Ranka, ATM Ranka, Panchayat members of Perbing Ward, officials of Agriculture Department and farmers.