Organic chilli farming: Sikkim’s Lepcha community writes success story with traditional farming
Organic chilli farming: Sikkim is located in the heart of the Himalayas and the indigenous Lepcha community of the Dzongu region here has been practicing traditional organic farming for a long time. These people practice chemical-free, rain-fed mixed farming that reflects deeply their cultural heritage. The Lepcha community preserves the fragile forest-based agro-ecology of the region. At the same time, they maintain their livelihood. These people do organic chilli farming.
Indian Council of Agricultural Research started the program with partners
One of the most pressing issues is weed infestation. Which is especially in the high rainfall areas of Sikkim Himalaya, where annual rainfall is more than 3,000 mm. This has posed a significant challenge for organic chilli farming. Because managing weeds without chemical herbicides is labour-intensive and time-consuming. In addition, the steep terrain of the region makes the movement of bulk organic manure, such as farmyard manure, particularly difficult.
As a result, farmers in remote areas like Dzongu have seen a worrying decline in seasonal crop productivity and overall farm-related profits. In response to these challenges, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)-North Eastern Hill Regions, Sikkim Centre in collaboration with the Horticulture Department of the Government of Sikkim launched a Technology Demonstration Programme under the Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) in early 2021.
Sikkim Government’s initiative boosts organic chilli farming
This initiative of the Sikkim Government was aimed at introducing modern agricultural techniques and high-yielding crop varieties in the region, with the aim of improving the benefits of agriculture and reawakening the interest of organic chilli farming among the younger generation. Over the past three years, the programme has reached out to around 237 farmers in Lingdong-Barphok, Hee-Gyathang, Gnon-Sangdong and Lum Gor Sangtok GPU areas in Dzongu.
The focus of the programme is to work in the field of organic chilli farming using improved agricultural practices that are in line with the organic farming nature of the region. The key to the success of this initiative has been the introduction of organic chilli farming from breeder seeds of two varieties:
Use of Arka Meghna (F1) and Arka Sweta varieties in organic chilli farming
Arka Meghna (F1), which is tolerant to powdery mildew and mosaic virus and Arka Sweta, which is known for its resistance to viruses. These varieties were selected for organic chilli farming based on their suitability to the climate of the region and their potential to increase yield.
To further enhance productivity, the use of IFFCO-Sagarika foliose, a liquid seaweed extract derived from Kappaphycus alvarezii (red algae) and Sargassum swartzi (brown algae), was introduced in the program.
This bio-stimulant was applied at three critical stages of plant growth, seeding establishment, about a month after transplantation, before flowering, and after flowering.
IFFCO-Sagarika
The use of IFFCO-Sagarika significantly increased plant canopy growth. Mulching has proven to be a game-changer for organic chilli farming in the high rainfall areas of Sikkim Himalaya.
During the monsoon months, it effectively suppressed excessive weed growth, reducing the need for intensive weeding. In the post-monsoon months, it conserved the moisture of the waste soil, ensuring that the crops received sufficient water to thrive.
This dual benefit of weed control and moisture conservation contributed significantly to improved yields and agronomic outcomes. Apart from these technical interventions, the programme provided regular monitoring and guidance from ICAR North Eastern Hill Region, Sikkim Centre and line department officials to the organic chilli farmers.
Organic chilli farming
The results of these efforts have been transformative. Chilli plants started flowering in the first fortnight of June and were plucked on an average three to six times per season. With market prices ranging between Rs 100-120 per kg, harvesting continued till mid-October, providing a good income source to the farmers.
The most notable impact of this programme has been on agricultural economics. Calculated on a per acre basis, organic chilli farming has proved to be very profitable for the tribal Lepcha farmers of Dzongu. Mulching not only prevented weed growth during summer and rainy season but also reduced labour costs associated with other inter-farm operations. The use of IFFCO-Sagarika further increased the yield, leading to significant savings in labour costs and higher yield of fresh green chillies.
Success stories of farmers like Pempa Tshering Lepcha from Sangdong and Tshering Ongden Lepcha from Lingdong are great examples of the impact of this program. Pempa Tshering Lepcha earned the highest profit among all farmers participating in the program, with a benefit-cost ratio of 2.85.
Even those selling their produce in less favourable markets like Dikchu market managed to earn respectable profits despite challenges like poor road connectivity and limited demand.
Involvement of rural youth in organic chilli farming
The success of this Technology Demonstration Program has not gone unnoticed. Significant yield improvements and increased agricultural profits inspired neighbouring farmers from villages around Dzongu to adopt the program. Over the past three years, there has been a rapid expansion of cultivable areas and greater participation of rural youth in organic chilli farming.
Sikkim Government’s initiatives help flourish traditional farming practices
The tribal Lepcha farmers in Lower Dzongu have consistently contributed to livelihood security in their traditional work in agriculture, which saw that their traditional farming practices can flourish in the modern age.
This approach adopted by ICAR-North Eastern Hill Region, Sikkim Centre and Department of Horticulture, Government of Sikkim has breathed new life into traditional organic chilli farming in the Sikkim Himalayas.
By combining modern agricultural technologies with traditional practices, they have created a sustainable model that not only preserves the unique agro-ecology of the region but also secures the livelihood of its indigenous communities for generations to come.
Questions and answers related to traditional farming of the Lepcha community of Sikkim
Question 1- What are the challenges of organic farming in Sikkim?
Answer- The Sikkim Himalayas receive more than 3000 mm of rainfall every year, which leads to heavy growth of weeds here. Organic farming, with its heavy reliance on organic manure and biomass, the only alternative to traditional cow dung manure, increases labour demand for farmers. This makes it difficult to maintain farm productivity in remote areas like Dzongu.
Q2- What were the steps taken in Sikkim for organic chilli farming?
Answer- Achieved significant yield improvement through mulching techniques and foliar spraying of seaweed extract (IFFCO-Sagarika) for successful demonstration of organic chilli farming. Motivated neighbouring farmers in villages around Dzongu (North Sikkim). Involved rural youth in organic farming. This led to improved livelihood of tribal Lepcha farmers in lower Dzongu of Sikkim Himalayas.
Q3- What is organic farming in Sikkim?
Answer- Sikkim is the first state in the world to be 100 per cent organic. All its agricultural land is certified organic. Under this policy, chemical fertilizers and pesticides have been phased out. Along with this, the sale and use of chemical pesticides is banned.
Question 4- What is traditional agriculture in Sikkim?
Answer- Sikkim farmers grow maize, millet, pulses etc. in terraced dry fields. Grass is grown in the terraced fields here for fodder. The land remains barren during the dry season. During winter, farmers practice slash and burn as a management method and grow pulses, tapioca and crops grown in Sikkim.
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