Pakyong, April 28 (IPR):
The Agriculture Department, Government of Sikkim, successfully organised a Kisan Mela cum Kisan Gosthi at the RURBAN Community Complex, Pakyong witnessing participation from farmers, agricultural experts, field functionaries, and departmental officials.
The event was graced by the District Collector cum Chairman of ATMA, Mr Rohan Agawane, as the Chief Guest.
In his address, the District Collector congratulated all the farmers and participants and encouraged them to make good use of government schemes, adopt new farming techniques, and work towards improving their productivity for a better and sustainable livelihood.
Technical sessions were a key highlight, featuring comprehensive presentations by officials from the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments.
Mr Tshering Chophel Bhutia, Additional Director cum Project Director, ATMA, detailed various schemes under implementation, including the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), Per Drop More Crop (PDMC), Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PMKSN), Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), National Food Security Mission, Soil Health Management, Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCD), Sub Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM), Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), National Bamboo Mission, and Floriculture projects.
He also highlighted the significance of post-harvest management, the establishment of collection centres, and the installation of vending carts to support farmers across the district.
Dr Prakash Sharma, Senior Scientist cum Head, KVK, encouraged farmers to cultivate locally available vegetables, fruits, and medicinal plants while focusing on cash crops, value addition, and marketing opportunities. He assured complete departmental support in these initiatives.
Earlier, Mrs Rebecca Gurung, Deputy Director cum Deputy Project Director, ATMA, opened the session by underlining the vital role of farmers and the importance of organising such melas.
Additionally, Mrs Gauri Mukhia, Assistant Director, Fisheries Department, spoke about schemes related to trout farming, carp fishing, ornamental fisheries, and fish tourism, along with the Kisan Credit Card facility for fisheries.
Dr Prerna Baraily, Deputy Director, AH&VS, highlighted the benefits of cattle insurance, preventive healthcare, ongoing vaccination drives, and credit facilities for livestock farmers.
Certificates of appreciation and felicitation were presented by the Agriculture Department under ATMA, Pakyong District, to the following farmers:
Mr DP Sapkota (Chotta Singtam),
Ms Nim Chuki Sherpa (Kartok),
Mrs Doma Lepcha, Naibutar),
Mrs Kamala Basnett (Namcheybong),
Mrs Bimla Subba (Khamdong),
Mrs Biju Pokhrel (Linkey).
An exhibit display competition was also organised among progressive farmers from six blocks, judged by Ms Hissay Cheday Bhutia, Deputy Director, Horticulture Department, and Mrs Sangeeta Basnett, Deputy Director, Agriculture Department. The results were as follows:
1st Prize: Rhenock Block,
2nd Prize: Namcheybong Block,
3rd Prize: Parkha Block
Various stalls were also set up by the progressive farmers during the event to showcase agricultural innovations and advancements.
The Kisan Mela cum Kisan Gosthi served as an important platform for knowledge exchange, encouragement, and the celebration of agricultural achievements, reaffirming the Agriculture and Horticulture Department’s commitment towards the empowerment and welfare of farmers.
Also in attendance were Deputy Directors, ADOs, HDOs, AIs, HIs, ATMs, BTMs, and a large gathering of progressive farmers.