Veteran horticulturist Andrew Collings praises Sikkim’s organic mission

PRASHANT ACHARYA

SILIGURI,: Renowned horticulturist from the United Kingdom, Andrew Collings has prised Sikkim for opting organic farming.

Addressing a seminar on “Prospects and Challenges in Exotic Fruit Cultivation and Organic Farming in Northern West Bengal” at North Bengal University’s Center for Floriculture and Agri-business Management (COFAM) today, Collings said, “In Sikkim, the communications is getting better and better day-by-day. I had last visited 12 years back; saw lots of changes in Sikkim now especially in organic farming. Sikkim is soon going to be the epicentre of eco-tourism and related anything to organic and purity.”

Collings was on Sikkim tour for couple of days prior to the seminar at NBU.  

Collings also spoke on the uniqueness about the endangered species and rare exotic fruits found in Sikkim and Darjeeling hills which, he said, needs to be preserved 

Collings, an experienced horticulturist, has worked extensively across Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia for over 40 overs with focus on heritage horticulture, plant biodiversity and organic seed conservation.

He’s speech, as a guest speaker, focused on organic farming and plant biodiversity. He also shared his experiences among students of NBU.

NBU registrar Dr. Bhaskar Biswas said, “It’s a pleasure for COFAM to have horticulturist like Collings. The session provided valuable insights into strengthening organic seed system, traditional crop revival and community-based biodiversity programmes, benefitting both farmers and policymakers.”

COFAM’s technical head Amrender Pandey, Raj Basu from Association for Conservation of Tourism and others also spoke on organic farming and eco-tourism.