November 25, 2024; West Sikkim:

ICAR-National Institute of Natural Fibre Engineering Technology (NINFET), Kolkata, in collaboration with KVK, West Sikkim, organized two events in West Sikkim district, Sikkim, on November 23, 2024, under the NEH programme.

The first event on distributing Bonpala sheep to enhance the livelihood of Segeng farmers took place at Mabong, Segeng. The farmers received a comprehensive briefing on sheep management, rearing, shearing, and marketability of the fibres and products.The Director of NINFET distributed three Bonpala sheep (one male and two females) to each of the ten selected farmers from Segeng village. This event was attended by the President of the Gram Panchayat of Segeng, a KVK official, and the NEH team from NINFET.

The second event, a workshop and demonstration on Jute Agro-textile Mulch, was held at Lower Mabong village, an aspirational village in Sikkim. Dr. Dinesh Basnett, Senior Scientist and Head of KVK West Sikkim, welcomed participants and outlined the workshop's objectives and various initiatives for farmers' betterment in West Sikkim

Dr. D. B. Shakyawar, Director of ICAR-NINFET, briefed participants on planned activities, progress, and future scientific and technological interventions under the NEH component for West Sikkim farmers. He highlighted various technologies developed by the institute, suitable for Mabong, which can create alternative income sources and enhance the livelihood of Mabong village.    

Dr. Sanjoy Debnath, Principal Scientist of ICAR-NINFET, briefed the farmers on the importance and advantages of natural fibre-based nonwoven agro-textile mulch. He informed them that the mulching materials would be suitable for various horticultural crops in Mabong and could also be used as biodegradable and eco-friendly nursery pots.  

Er. H. Baite, Scientist at ICAR-NINFET, highlighted the extraction and processing of other natural fibres available in the region. He also conducted a demonstration on agro-textile jute mulch in a farmer's field.    

The workshop cum demonstration was attended by thirty (30) farmers, along with scientific and technical staff from KVK West Sikkim, and the President of Mabong Gram Panchayat. Dr. Ranjit, SMS (Extension), KVK West Sikkim, conveyed a vote of thanks. The programme concluded with the demonstration and distribution of agro-textile jute mulch to the farmers of Mabong village.

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