The ICAR-IIHR has successfully conducted the "Capacity Building Programme on Avocado Cultivation and Input Distribution as part of NEH Scheme of IIHR at ICAR RC for NEH Region, Tadong Sikkim on 5th October, 2024. Dr. T. Sakthivel, Principal Scientist and Nodal Officer, NEH Scheme gave an overview of NEH activities of ICAR-IIHR. The chief guest Dr. Tilak Gajmer, Principal Secretary & Director, Department of Horticulture, Govt. of Sikkim, spoke about the importance of horticulture in Sikkim and also organic production, value addition and marketing. Subsequently, a total of 4000 fruit plants (Avocado, Guava, Jackfruit, Pummelo and Passion fruit), vegetable seeds, AMC and Papaya seeds were distributed. Dr. M. Sankaran, Head, Division of Fruit Crops, ICAR-IIHR, spoke about importance of ICAR-IIHR and its role in research, education and extension for the improvement of horticulture in the country. The Guest of Honour. Dr. S. Anbalagan, IFS CEO for Sikkim Organic Mission, spoke about organic production of horticultural crops and environmental protection. Dr.G. Karunakaran , Principal Scientist, ICAR-IIHR has delivered a talk on the cultivation of Avocado and also conducted Scientists-farmers interface meeting. This programme was conducted under overall supervision of Dr. S. K. Singh, DDG (HS), ICAR and Dr. T. K. Behera, Director, ICAR-IIHR. Special thanks to Dr. S. P. Das, Director, NRC for Orchids, Pakhyong; Dr. Ramgopal Devadas, Head and Dr. S. K. Dutta, Senior Scientist, ICAR for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre, Tadong, coordinated the entire programme.
