November 22, 2024, NINFET:

ICAR-National Institute of Natural Fibre Engineering Technology, Kolkata in collaboration with KVK, South Sikkim organized one day “Workshop on Jute Non-woven Mulch & input distribution of Jute Agro-textiles as soil mulch towards soil and water conservation in Terrains of Sikkim cum distribution of jute agro textiles” and valedictory function of three (03) months skill development training on “Manufacturing/ Weaving of Natural Fibre Items“ on 22^nd November, 2024 at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Namthang, South Sikkim under NEH schemes.

Dr. D. B. Shakyawar, Director, ICAR-NINFET delivered a lecture on Natural fibre: Advancing Sustainable Development of Goals highlighting the technology developed by the institute suitable for adoption and application in the state of Sikkim. He also briefed about vegan leather, retting accelerators, sanitary napkins, apparel textiles and value chain of nettle fibre and various future collaboration activities on advanced training on handloom and entrepreneurship development programs with KVK, Namthang.

Dr. I.P. Shivakoti, Senior Scientist & Head KVK welcomed all the participants and briefed about the activities of KVK and further future collaboration work with NINFET, Kolkata.

Dr. S. Debnath, Principal Scientist & Head, MP Division, ICAR-NINFET delivered a lecture on Jute Agro-textiles as soil mulch towards soil and water conservation covering different mulching materials, importance and advantage of jute agro-textile mulch, case studies conducted at various parts and climatic conditions of India.

Er. H. Baite, Scientist, ICAR-NINFET briefed about the aims and objectives of the workshop. He also highlighted the gathering about NINFET and R&D activities of the institute and the technologies which will be suitable for the northeast region.

Dr. Chewang Norbu Bhutia, SMS (Animal Science), KVK South Sikkim highlighted the overview, objectives, aims and output about the three months skill development training programme.

Ms. Choki Sherpa, Horticulture Development Officer, Namthang, South Sikkim emphasized on environment issues of state and appeal for adoption, promoting and used of natural fibre based mulching materials in Sikkim for high value horticultural cash crops as a replacement of plastic for safeguarding the environment and for sustainable development.

The workshop programme was followed by field level demonstration of jute agro-textile mulch in the KVK South Sikkim field and input distribution to thirty benefiaries of South Sikkim.

The program was coordinated by Dr. Chewang Norbu Bhutia, SMS (Animal Science) and Yangchenla Bhutia SMS (Horticulture) KVK South Sikkim. The programme was attended by scientific, technical and administrative staffs of KVK South Sikkim, scientist of ICAR-NINFET, HDO, FPO/FPC, 10 trainees and a trainer.

(Source: ICAR- National Institute of Natural Fibre Engineering and Technology, Kolkata)