Ranipool, Nov. 29, 2010
Dr D Chaudhari, Project Coordinator, All India Coordinated Research Project on Utilisation of Animal Energy (AICRP-UAE) visited the CAEPHT center of the AICRP – UAE from Nov 21 to 22.

On Nov 21, Dr Chaudhary along with Dr R K Tiwari, Principal Investigator, visited the village Yangyang, South Sikkim for interaction with the farmers. The traditional bullock drawn implements and hand tools used by the farmers for sowing of Kharif and Rabi crops were seen and possible improvements to increase the work rate of these equipments discussed.

On the second day, the project coordinator visited the village Bhasmay-Kumrek and Namin, East Sikkim and met the farmers to discuss their requirements of improved hand tools and animal drawn equipment. He also visited the field of Roopnarayan Bhattarai in village Namin where mustard crop was sown by CAEPHT as Front Line Demonstration trial using improved animal drawn mustard drill.

The performance of the crop in respect of plant population and growth was discussed with the farmers who expressed their satisfaction due to row seeding of mustard than commonly practiced broadcasting system. The advantage of row seeding was discussed with other farmers of the village besides the concept of Zero-till seeding of wheat after rice harvest. To these, many farmers showed their willingness for direct seeding of wheat after rice harvest to take the advantage of residual moisture of the soil.

The CAEPHT center of the UAE has been sanctioned Rs 38.78 lakh for 2010-11. The major emphasis lies with promotion of improved animal drawn equipment for cultivation of major crops of farmers of Sikkim in valleys and terraces.

(Courtesy: Sikkim Mail)

 

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