Division
Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Sargachhi, the first branch centre of Ramakrishna Mission was founded in 1897 by Swami Akhandanandaji Maharaj, a direct disciple of Sri Ramakrishna. It was 15th May, 1897, eighteen persons from the neighbouring village received the rations and the public undertaking of the Ramakrishna Mission in relief work was initiated at Mahula. Imbibed with ideal 'Service to man is service to God' as propounded by Swami Vivekananda, Swami Akhandanandaji came forwarded with establishment of orphanage, primary school, relief centre, primary health care, farming and several philanthropic works. Inspiring from the heritage, the Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, sargachhi continues effort on Sri Ramakrishna scull 'Worship jiva as Shiva' for more than last 100 years. During last 7-8 years special attention has been extended to the agriculture and allied farm activities for ultimate livelihood development of rural India. Thus in agricultural field, the ultimate recognition has been received from Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) with sanctioned of establishment of 'Dhaanya Ganga' Krishi Vigyan Kendra under the aegis of Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Educational and Research Institute. 'Dhaanya Ganga' Krishi Vigyan Kendra has started works with the prevailing resources and infrastructure of Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Sargachhi. Our works aim for successful management of resources in agriculture and allied sectors to satisfy changing human needs while maintaining or enhancing the quality of the environment and conserving natural resources.
Agriculture :
The unit of on farm demonstrations including maintenance of more than 20 traditional scented rice germplasm, seed production of cereals, pulses, oilseeds, maintenance of farm machinery unit. Department of Agriculture, Government of West Bengal allots breeder/ foundation seed of newly released variety for seed multiplication programme. International Centre for Agriculture Research in Dry Areas (ICARDA) sponsored project on enhancing pulse production for food and nutritional security. Several on farm testing is also going on viz. SRI, line sowing of pulse and oil seed, nutrient management and plant protection trials etc.
Horticulture :
With changing consumer preference and market demand, now the time has come when farmers should plan their cropping practices accordingly. Keeping in view, this large discipline of farming deals with on farm demonstration of newly introduced exotic vegetables, scientific management of existing crops specially vegetables, cultivation of promising floricultural crops, management of orchard, spice crop demonstration unit, establishment of a nursery for production of quality planting materials of fruits, medicinal plants etc., protected cultivation. vermicompost production unit. The existing medicinal plant arboretum is an asset of the horticulture treasures. A bee keeping unit also adds enormous value to the entire production unit. Animal Resource : Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Sargachhi have multi dimensional activities in field of animal resource from last five years. State level training institute has been established with all sorts of audio-visual training aids, training literature and experts at the Ashrama where regular training for the Prani Bandhu and Prani Mitra' of Animal Resource Department, Government of West Bengal is being organized. Long term practical based courses for milkman/ member of different reputed Milk Co-Operative, interested farmers are offered in the institute. In the Ashrama Farm different exotic cattle breed, indigenous breeds are reared under modern dairy concept. Apart from these a Black Bengal goat production unit, sheep rearing unit, rabbit production unit and demonstrations on scientific rearing of duck are the components of this valued service. Ornamental exotic bird unit is the unique attraction to the viewers. Different fodders like hybrid Napier grass, Sorghum, maize, cowpea, alfalfa etc. are produced here along with supplying of planting materials to the farmers. An Animal health clinical support unit along with mobile medical van is also an integral part of the organization. Dhanya Ganga Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sargachhi are intermingled with these existing services.
Fishery :
Aquarium of different ornamental fishes, exotic fishes etc, are) maintained here. An ornamental fish breeding unit is running in Ashrama Premises. Regular Training of fisherman is organized in collaboration with Central Inland Fishery Research Institute. Barrackpore and Government of West Bengal. Two pond has been constructed for inland fishery demonstrations. Establishment of Bio-flock unit is the main attraction of the present scenario. Successful production in the Bio-flock unit may bring a great opportunity to the fisherman and entrepreneurship development among the unemployed youth.
Agriculture :
The felt need of the local growers to fetch higher price of their produce, minimize the post harvest loss etc. has been realized. Thus a Dal Mill has been established to extend opportunity to the pulse growers for ensuring higher return through finished product. Post harvest products like jelly, jam, pickles etc have been prepared by the Self Help Group as formed by the institution. Several processed products from agriculture produce is prepared like papad, badi etc by the farm woman and marketed through Sargachi Darshan.
Bio-Control Laboratory :
A bio-control laboratory has been established as well as engaged in production of spawn of different types of mushroom and inoculum of Trichoderma viridi. The Unit may act as one of the nodal bio-inoculum production unit of the State with proper technical support and financial assistance. The inoculum have also been distributed to the farmers who participated in the Ashrama training on respective subjects.
Soil testing Laboratory :
A soil testing laboratory has been established and working under National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture. All the soil samples as collected in 13 blocks of Murshidabad districts by the Government of West Bengal, Department of Agriculture are tested and result uploaded to the concerned website for generation of Soil Health Card. Soil testing has also been made for the farmers directly.
Medicinal Plant Arboretum :
A unique medicinal plant arboretum has been maintained in the Ashrama Premises. More than 100 types of medicinal plants are demonstrated here with their details botanical description and medicinal utility. It is most attractive part of the horticultural activities performed in the Ashrama. Trees, shrubs, herbs which have medicinal as well as aromatic importance are also maintained for popularization among the stakeholders. Vegetative propagation of these rare treasures is also practised to popularize their cultivation and utilization. Preparation of home remedy and health drink from these green resources are also exercised for demonstrations and training. A farmers Co-operative has been formed aiming to participate in seed production programme, community farming and ultimately overall development of farming community. The Sargachhi Darshan Self Help Group is working successfully for women empowerment through Post Harvest and value adition of agriculture / horticulture produce and jute based different products like bag, executive folder. Laptop p carrying bag etc. Two museums of international standard may act as centre of attraction of the viewers. Charitable dispensary, auditorium, high school, primary school, PTTI, Vocational Training Institute, Driving School and activities for rural livelihood development in Sebabrata are the places to be must focussed during visit. It is well known that the District Murshidabad-is famous for his golden heritage in History. On the other hand Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Sargachhi also adds enormous value to the District not only with the spiritual and philanthropic activities but also with garlands of rural livelihood development assignments. May Sri Sri Thakur, Sri Sri Ma and Swamiji give us strength to serve humanity more and more in the spirit of true worship. We humbly pray to the divine Trio to bless us all for our peace and piety. progress and emancipation.