Organic Farming Tour to Sikkim

01st October, 2018

Organic Farming Tour to Sikkim

The ten day long “Organic Tour to Sikkim” organised by Sajik Tampak Battalion of 28 Sector Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (South) culminated with 'Flagging'-in' by Brig Neelesh Bhanot, Sena Medal, DIG, 28 Sector Assam Rifles at Kakching on 01 October 2018.

The tour was organised with an aim to enlighten and expose the younger farmers of naturally abundant valley area to myriad options of organic farming. During their maiden visit to Sikkim, a total of twenty farmers including seven females learnt about the various 'chemical free' organic farming techniques in vogue. A series of presentation and field visits to various organic farms were organised under the aegis of the Agriculture and Horticulture department of Sikkim.

The farmers were able to gain practical knowledge on organic ways of soil testing towards controlling pests during the farm visits. Various harvesting techniques along with an exposure to the emerging markets for organic products were also adequately covered.

In between the busy schedule of the tour, the young farmers also got the opportunity to meet the Honourable Governor of Sikkim, General Officer Commanding 17 Mountain Division and Mr Baichung Bhutia - which made up the most impressionable moments of the tour. The party also visited the Nathu La Pass and famous Harbhajan Baba Temple.

Organic Farming Tour to Sikkim

The long winding tour was interspersed with local sight-seeing that generated a healthy mix of learning with fun. The unique endeavour was organised through the civic action programme of Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IG AR (South) and provided a unique opportunity to the young farmers of remote Chandel district.

The long lasting initiatives of the Sajik Battalion aimed at generating economically viable self-sustenance enterprises at local level are being widely hailed by the locals of Kanalok valley and creating an environment of unparalleled bon-homie in the once insurgency infested areas of Chandel district, Manipur.