In the Sikkim Himalayas, traditional organic farming depends on minimal external inputs and subsistence methods. The indigenous Lepcha people of the Dzongu region in North Sikkim, known as the Lepcha heartland or reserve, practice chemical-free rainfed mixed cultivation. This approach supports their daily livelihoods while preserving traditional forest-based agro-ecology, although it results in limited farm profitability.
Heavy weed infestation in the high-rainfall regions of the Sikkim Himalayas (receiving over 3000 mm of rain) has become a major challenge for organic agriculture. Additionally, the reliance on bulky organic manures, with bio-fertilizers as the sole alternative to traditional farmyard manure, has proven labor-intensive and difficult to transport in the region's steep terrain. As a result, farmers in remote areas like Dzongu in North Sikkim are experiencing a significant decline in seasonal crop productivity and farm profitability. To address this issue and rekindle interest among the younger generation, it is crucial to demonstrate modern agricultural technologies and high-yielding varieties.
Since early 2021, the ICAR-North Eastern Hill Region, Sikkim Center launched a technology demonstration programme under the Tribal Sub Plan, in collaboration with the Department of Horticulture, Govt. of Sikkim. Over the past three years, this programme has involved around 237 farmers from the Lingdong-Barfok, Hee-Gyathang, Gnon-Sangdong, and Lum Gor Sangtok GPU areas in Dzongu, North Sikkim, focusing on field demonstrations of organic chili cultivation.
Breeder seeds of chilli variety Arka Meghana (F1; tolerant to powdery mildew and mosaic virus) and Arka Sweta (tolerant to viruses), foliar application of liquid seaweed extract (IFFCO- Sagarika @ ~280 ml acre-1) derived from Kappaphycus alvarezii (red algae) and Sargassum swartzii (brown algae) for three times viz. seedling establishment (~1 month after transplanting), pre-flowering and post-flowering stage. Field mulching using plastic mulch (25 microns) suppressed excessive weed growth in high-rainfall regions of Sikkim Himalaya, particularly during the monsoon months and conversely conserved residual soil moisture during the post-monsoon months. All recommended organic crop production practices were subsequently followed by all farmer-beneficiaries, along with regular monitoring from ICAR North Eastern Hilly Region, Sikkim Center, and the Line Department officials. The basal dose of vermi-compost was applied @ 0.6-0.8 tonnes per acre through band placement, before transplanting at a distance of 0.8 m × 0.6 m spacing during April- May. The flowering was started during the first fortnight of June. The average number of picking varies 3-6 times (market price @ Rs. 100-120 per kg; harvesting continued up to mid-October).
The foliar application of IFFCO-Sagarika, a commercially available liquid seaweed extract (28% w/w, containing 14-18% bio-potash, nutrients, and other plant growth-promoting biomolecules), nearly doubled the fresh weight of mulched chili harvests compared to traditional farmers' practices. The representative farm economics of subsistent organic chilli cultivation (calculated on an acre-1 basis) secured high profitability for the tribal Lepcha farmers of Lower Dzongu, North Sikkim (Table 1). Mulching controlled excess weed growth (summer/ rainy season), reduced labor investment in other associated intercultural operations, and facilitated soil moisture conservation during winter. Foliar applications of seaweed extract (IFFCO-Sagarika; 40 ml pouch/ 16 L of water in knapsack sprayer) as bio-stimulant enhanced plant canopy growth, coupled with higher fresh green chilli yield. Furthermore, labor cost savings from the reduced labor engagement in periodic field management /intercultural operations during the crop growth period and accelerated market linkage options with Mangan market (~7-13 km from Lingdong, Barfok, Hee Gyathang and Gnon Sangdong) during periodic green chilli harvest ensured the highest profitability for Mr. Pempa Tshering Lepcha (Sangdong; B: C ratio 2.85), followed by Mr. Tshering Ongden Lepcha (Lingdong; B: C ratio 2.69) among all the adapted farmers under TSP. The relatively less farm profit earnings from Dikchu market (~ 4-6 km from Gor, Taryong, Shagyong, and Sangtok) was primarily sourced from limited demand-driven higher seasonal price fluctuation, poor road connectivity, and deformed market linkages over the Mangan market.
The successful demonstration of organic chili cultivation, which achieved significant yield improvements through mulching technology and the foliar application of seaweed extract (IFFCO-Sagarika), inspired neighboring farmers in adjacent villages of Dzongu (North Sikkim). The increased motivation, driven by enhanced farm profitability, led to a rapid expansion of cultivable areas and greater involvement of rural youth in organic farming over the past three years. This, in turn, has contributed to the sustained livelihood security of the tribal Lepcha farmers in Lower Dzongu, Sikkim Himalaya.
(Source: ICAR-Research Complex, NEH, Umiam, Meghalaya)
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