Dzongu farmer wins FSRDA award

Sunday, Mar 16, 2025 10:15 [IST]

Last Update: Saturday, Mar 15, 2025 17:06 [IST]

Dzongu farmer wins FSRDA award

GANGTOK, : Dzongu framer Pempa Tshering Lepcha has bagged the ‘FSRDA Best Farmer Award 2023-24’ for contribution to the development of ‘IOFS Model’ (Integrated Organic Farming System) model with sustainability with good returns.

The award was presented by Farming System Research Development Association (FSRDA) during the 1st International Farming Conference (IFSC 2025) at ICAR-IIFSR, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh held form March 7 to 9 with theme “Transforming Food, Land & Water Systems under Global Climate Change”.

Lepcha received award from Dr. R.B. Singh (NAAS), Arvind Kumar (ICAR), Dr. Rajvir Singh (DDG-Agri. Extension) and Dr. Sunil Kumar (director, IIFSR).

He initiated his organic farming venture since early 2015, and gradually moved to commercial scale of organic vegetables supply through established market chain channel. He was associated with ICAR, Sikkim Centre, Tadong since early June 2021 under ‘Tribal Sub-Plan’ (TSP) Program jointly implemented by State Horticulture department, informs a press release.

“He practices vermi composting, along with external foliar spray of seaweed extract to boost his organic production. He has diversified vegetable farming along with the remunerating spice cultivation like ginger, large cardamom etc., and initiative for organic farming venture became inspiration for young citizen for nearby villages to engage in organic farming for better livelihood.”

Lepcha expressed heartfelt thanks to ICAR NEHR director Dr. V.K. Mishra, TSP nodal officer Dr. S. Hazarika, principal scientist & HoRC Dr. R. Devadas, senior scientist Dr. Saurav Saha and entire team of ICAR, Sikkim Centre &Horticulture department for their active technical support towards path of success progressed, release adds.

 

Sikkim at a Glance

  • Area: 7096 Sq Kms
  • Capital: Gangtok
  • Altitude: 5,840 ft
  • Population: 6.10 Lakhs
  • Topography: Hilly terrain elevation from 600 to over 28,509 ft above sea level
  • Climate:
  • Summer: Min- 13°C - Max 21°C
  • Winter: Min- 0.48°C - Max 13°C
  • Rainfall: 325 cms per annum
  • Language Spoken: Nepali, Bhutia, Lepcha, Tibetan, English, Hindi