Krishi Vigyan Kendra, West Sikkim : Activities

Intervention of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, GYABA for Citrus Industry

Sikkim Mandarin represents the first most important commercial fruit of South & West district of Sikkim. It is cultivated in an area of 2325 ha in west district and 925 Ha. in South district with the production of 3268 and 1740 tones respectively. The orange exchange the income of Rs6,61,64,501 with per capita value of Rs 3025 per house hold in West and Rs 1173 in South with an income of Rs 22653405. The important orange producing areas lies in the Rangit valley, namely, Tashiding, Omchung, Tikjek Lingchom, Bermoik, Berthang, Rinchenpong, Chingthang, Chakung, Zoom, Timburbong in West Sikkim and Kewzing, Lingmoo, Sangmoo, Payong, Rateypani, Namthang, Tarku, Tokal-Bermiok, Turuk and Sumbuk in South Sikkim. Though Sikkim Mandarin have been cultivated in Sikkim from time immemorial and is very popular in Kolkata market. The orange industries is now facing problem. Identified problems The conglomeration of many faulty activities by the farmers led the mandarin industries in Sikkim decline. Some of the identified problems are as follows:
•	Improper selection of Orchard site.
•	Poor quality of planting material
•	Random intercropping especially with exhaustive crop.
•	Infestation of insect pest like trunk borer, bark eating Catterpillar, Aphid, fruit fly.
•	Almost 30-40% fruit drops during maturity due to infestation of fruit fly.

Intervention
After the establishment of Krishi Vigyan Kendra under the host Institute, Food Security and Agriculture Development Department in West and South District, different strategies were drawn up to combat the identified problems. Krishi Vigyan Kendras in collaboration with Horticulture and Cash Crop Development Department, Government of Sikkim have accelerate different programmes and technological interventions.
1.	KRISHI VIGYAN KENDRA, West and South Sikkim have kept the citrus rejuvenation and Orchard soil management as most prior thrust area.
2.	The Orchard management was addressed thoroughly through training programme to practicing farmers, rural youths and extension functionaries.
3.	For random intercropping especially of exhaustive crops the On Farm Testing (OFT)has been initiated. In Sikkim hills, growing of maize in orange orchard cannot be avoided. Therefore, OFT for leaving one meter diameter around the tree trunk with proper pest and nutrient management is under studies.
4.	KVK is organizing mass campaign for prevention control of fruit fly. The campaign comprise of application of poison bait and collection and destruction of fallen fruits.
5.	The Kendras has also led the Front Line Demonstration (FLD) on Orange rejuvenation. The rejuvenation programmes consist of total package and practices of Sikkim mandarin including Orchard soil, nutrient and pest management. The demonstrations have created the greater impact to the farmers for the adoption of recommended cultural practices.
6.	In view of area expansion with quality planting materials, Horticulture and Cash Crop Development Department under technology mission has massive programme. The department being a directorate of host department of KVKs, close collaboration has been achieved.
7.	Since Sikkim has aleady headed towards the organic farming, the nutrient, pest and disease management is through organic means. KVK, West Sikkim is addressing the issues very seriously.
8.	lots have been achieve for promoting the citrus industries in Sikkim but still miles to go….. .