ICAR Demonstrates Integrated Organic Farming Model for Sustainable Hill Agriculture in North Sikkim

8 September 2026, North Sikkim

Shri Om Prakash Mathur, Hon’ble Governor of Sikkim, visited an Integrated Organic Farming System model at Lingdong village, Dzongu, North Sikkim, today, accompanied by Shri Anant Jain, District Collector, and senior officials from various line departments of the Government of Sikkim. The visit highlighted the potential of integrated and sustainable farming approaches for strengthening livelihoods of tribal farming communities in the hill region.

The model was developed by the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre, Tadong, Gangtok, since 2021 under the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP)/NEH component, in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture and Department of Fisheries, Government of Sikkim. Established at the farm of Shri Tshering Ongden Lepcha, the model integrates crop diversification with dairy, fisheries, poultry and horticulture components. In recognition of his efforts, Shri Lepcha received the IARI Innovative Farmer Award in 2023. Building on the success of the model, ATMA North Sikkim established a Farm School at the site in 2026.

During the visit, the Governor interacted with TSP beneficiaries and reviewed field-level interventions focused on resource conservation, crop diversification and market linkages. Demonstrations included ground mulching, seasonal crop rotation, vermicomposting, backyard poultry, apiculture, Azolla cultivation and off-season vegetable production under protected conditions.

The programme also highlighted practical technologies suited to hill agriculture, including gravity-based poly-lining systems for diverting perennial stream water for trout farming, micro-irrigation for winter water management, lightweight farm mechanisation and eco-friendly pest management practices aimed at improving productivity and sustainability.

Expressing appreciation for the collaborative approach adopted by ICAR and the State line departments, Shri Mathur emphasised the need to replicate successful integrated farming models through community participation, institutional support and technical guidance to strengthen local agricultural economies and enhance farmers’ incomes through sustainable hill farming.

The programme underscored the importance of coordinated extension efforts involving Agriculture, Horticulture, Fisheries, ATMA and KVKs for disseminating suitable technologies at the grassroots level. Continued technical guidance and input support for Integrated Organic Farming Systems in Dzongu were also highlighted.

Representatives from various line departments participated in the programme. As part of promoting crop diversification and sustainable horticultural practices, avocado seedlings were planted at the demonstration farmer’s field.

(Source: ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim)