Department of Botany in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Science, Government Degree College, Nubra organised a one-day field visit to Hunder, Partapur, and Skampuk villages under the aegis of G20 /Y20 on March 28.

The field visit aimed to gain first-hand knowledge of mushroom cultivation, composting, grafting, integrated farming, and growing vegetables in polycarbonate greenhouses as well as drip irrigation systems from different villages.

During the field visit at Hunder village, skilled farmers shared their experience with the students about mushroom cultivation, composting, and growth of different species of vegetables like lettuce, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. in the polycarbonate greenhouse, especially during harsh winter conditions. They also demonstrated how to do grafting in the orchid plants with grafting tools to the students.

Assistant Professor, Botany, Dr. Tsetan Dolker, and Assistant Professor, Environmental Science,  Tsewang Lahmo shared their expertise with the students regarding mushroom cultivation, grafting, composting, integrated farming, and drip irrigation at respective sites.

At Partapur village, a progressive agri-entrepreneur, Abideen adopted the integrated farming system where he approached multidimensional design to manage resources sustainably and effectively for higher crop output. He shared that these products are also supplied to the Indian Army on their demand and generated income for their livelihood.

At Skampuk village, students were briefed about drip and sprinkle irrigation. Farmer shared that this technology was provided by Agriculture Department with a 75 % subsidy which is useful for the conservation of water resources.

During the field visit, students actively interacted with the farmers and made themselves aware of different farming systems and how they sustainably cultivated various crop plants. The farmers encouraged the students to take up agriculture as a career and added that it has huge potential.

They also got to know about various tools and technology like polycarbonate greenhouses, tools for grafting, spawn and compost for mushroom cultivation, drip irrigation systems, etc. Farmers were taking benefits from various schemes of the government and were generating good income as well.