News & Announcement
District Kisan Mela highlights opportunities in agriculture and allied sectors in Pakyong
Pakyong, October 29 (IPR): A one-day District Kisan Mela was organised by the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Pakyong District, at the RDD Community Complex, RURBAN, Pakyong, today.
The programme aimed to provide a common platform for farmers and officials to exchange knowledge, promote agricultural development and allied farming activities, and familiarise farmers with available opportunities, government schemes and support services to enhance agricultural productivity and strengthen farmers’ livelihoods.
Additional District Collector, Pakyong, Mr Pulkit, attended the programme as the chief guest alongside Panchayat President, Pachey Samsing, Mr HB Gurung, as the guest of honour.
During the event, ADC, Pakyong, Mr Pulkit emphasised that agriculture formed the backbone of the country and that decisions taken today would shape farmers’ livelihoods in the years ahead. He highlighted the importance of bringing together various departments, technical experts and farmers on a common platform to strengthen coordination and facilitate information exchange. He noted that farmers often received inadequate returns for their efforts due to gaps in processing, packaging and marketing.
He also highlighted initiatives to strengthen market linkages, develop separate brands for local produce such as turmeric, ginger and seeds, establish modern packaging facilities and promote organic products through online platforms and expanding tourism markets. He stressed that coordinated administrative efforts and improved market access were essential to enhancing farmers’ income and supporting sustainable agricultural development.
In his address, Additional Director, Agriculture and Horticulture Department cum Project Director, ATMA, Mr Tshering Chophel Bhutia, stated that the objective of the Kisan Mela was to provide a common platform for farmers to interact with experts, exchange knowledge, showcase their produce and gain encouragement to further their agricultural activities. He emphasised the importance of harvesting cardamom at the appropriate stage of maturity, improving crop production and adopting location-specific cultivation practices suited to local conditions. He also highlighted the marketing challenges faced by farmers and stressed the need for collaboration, teamwork and coordination to improve market access and strengthen farmers’ livelihoods.
Krishi Vigyan Kendra Head, Dr Prakash Sharma, highlighted the need to explore innovative marketing avenues and value addition to enhance the commercial potential of agricultural produce. He encouraged farmers to explore opportunities for processing and packaging local produce to improve its marketability and connect with wider markets. He also highlighted the potential of moringa cultivation and its applications in food products and livestock feed. Stressing the importance of strengthening the agricultural sector, he underscored the need to revive dairy farming and promote farm-based enterprises to encourage self-reliance and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
Likewise, Joint Director, AH&VS, Dr Kinchokla Bhutia addressed the participants on livestock fertility and reproductive health, highlighting common causes of infertility, including nutritional deficiencies, reproductive disorders, infectious diseases, hormonal imbalances and improper management practices. She also explained the role of artificial insemination in livestock breeding and outlined the treatment and management approaches adopted to address reproductive issues.
Further, she briefed the farmers on livestock insurance schemes covering cattle, pigs, sheep and goats, explaining the enrolment procedures and the respective contributions of farmers and the government. She also provided information on the Kisan Credit Card loan, highlighting its role in facilitating access to institutional credit.
Prior to the session, Deputy Director, Agriculture Department cum Deputy Project Director, ATMA Pakyong, Ms Rebecca Gurung, highlighted the activities and objectives of ATMA in the district, describing agriculture as the backbone of society and farmers as the unsung heroes of the nation. She outlined the agency’s role in capacity building, technology transfer, inter-departmental coordination, farmer group mobilisation and empowerment. She also briefed the participants on the composition of ATMA’s committees and acknowledged the support and coordination extended by the line departments in implementing farmer-oriented programmes. Emphasising ATMA’s grassroots-level approach, she highlighted initiatives such as Farm Schools, Kisan Melas and exposure visits as important platforms for knowledge sharing, practical learning and the adoption of improved farming practices.
She also highlighted the ongoing nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan, being observed from October 22 to November 30, 2026, with a focus on protecting soil health and encouraging sustainable farming practices. She briefed the participants on the activities being undertaken across various GPUs in the district under the campaign, stressing the importance of soil health and responsible farming practices.
Encouraging farmers to explore new opportunities, she urged them to become progressive and entrepreneurial, explore agri-tourism and identify commercially viable farming ventures. She also emphasised the importance of bringing more land under cultivation and making use of available schemes to strengthen farm-based livelihoods.
In her address, District Fisheries Development Officer, Mrs Gauri Mukhia, highlighted the activities and schemes of the Fisheries Department, emphasising the potential of fish farming to generate higher production and income even in limited spaces. She outlined the department’s vision of increasing fish production, promoting value addition, encouraging eco-tourism and generating livelihood and employment opportunities.
She briefed the participants on the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), explaining its objectives, funding pattern, subsidy provisions and various components, including ornamental fish farming, trout hatcheries and biofloc-based fish farming. She also briefed the participants on various online platforms through which farmers, fish farmers, fishermen and other stakeholders could access information on government schemes, submit project proposals, apply for licences and obtain vendor NOCs and other necessary approvals and departmental support.
She highlighted the potential of trout farming in the northeastern states and elaborated on the state government’s Mukhya Mantri Matsya Utpadan Yojana.
Further, District Coordinator, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Ms Dil Kumari Subba, elaborated on the guidelines for crop insurance under the scheme for the Kharif and Rabi seasons. She explained the documents required, the procedures for enrolment and the steps involved in availing crop insurance. She also briefed on the Meri Policy Mere Haath initiative and briefed the farmers on the importance of the scheme.
Prior to the programme, the delegates toured the exhibition stalls and interacted with farmers, representatives of cooperative societies, Self-Help Groups and Farmer Producer Organisations from various blocks. The stalls showcased a diverse range of agricultural and horticultural produce, value-added products and farming activities, highlighting local production and the entrepreneurial initiatives of the farming community.
Alongside the exhibition, a livestock fertility camp funded under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission was also organised by the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department, Pakyong District, at the venue.
During the programme, appreciation letters were presented to the District Farmers Award recipient and block-level awardees from various blocks in recognition of their contributions to the agricultural sector.
Appreciation certificates were also presented to progressive farmer Mr Dilip Pradhan in recognition of his nomination as State Farmers Advisory Chairman, while departmental staff members from various blocks were recognised for their contributions and work in their respective fields.
Policy documents were distributed to farmers under the Meri Policy Mere Haath initiative.
Following the programme, awards for the best exhibition stalls were presented to Kopchey Ward of Rhenock, which secured first place, followed by Tulip SHG of Namcheybung in second place and Women Catering Group of Chujachen in third place.
Appreciation certificates were also distributed to the participating exhibitors in recognition of their participation.
The event was attended by officials from Agriculture and Horticulture Department, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department, and Fisheries Department, along with BTMs and ATMs, field functionaries and progressive farmers from various blocks across the district.
The programme aimed to provide a common platform for farmers and officials to exchange knowledge, promote agricultural development and allied farming activities, and familiarise farmers with available opportunities, government schemes and support services to enhance agricultural productivity and strengthen farmers’ livelihoods.
Additional District Collector, Pakyong, Mr Pulkit, attended the programme as the chief guest alongside Panchayat President, Pachey Samsing, Mr HB Gurung, as the guest of honour.
During the event, ADC, Pakyong, Mr Pulkit emphasised that agriculture formed the backbone of the country and that decisions taken today would shape farmers’ livelihoods in the years ahead. He highlighted the importance of bringing together various departments, technical experts and farmers on a common platform to strengthen coordination and facilitate information exchange. He noted that farmers often received inadequate returns for their efforts due to gaps in processing, packaging and marketing.
He also highlighted initiatives to strengthen market linkages, develop separate brands for local produce such as turmeric, ginger and seeds, establish modern packaging facilities and promote organic products through online platforms and expanding tourism markets. He stressed that coordinated administrative efforts and improved market access were essential to enhancing farmers’ income and supporting sustainable agricultural development.
In his address, Additional Director, Agriculture and Horticulture Department cum Project Director, ATMA, Mr Tshering Chophel Bhutia, stated that the objective of the Kisan Mela was to provide a common platform for farmers to interact with experts, exchange knowledge, showcase their produce and gain encouragement to further their agricultural activities. He emphasised the importance of harvesting cardamom at the appropriate stage of maturity, improving crop production and adopting location-specific cultivation practices suited to local conditions. He also highlighted the marketing challenges faced by farmers and stressed the need for collaboration, teamwork and coordination to improve market access and strengthen farmers’ livelihoods.
Krishi Vigyan Kendra Head, Dr Prakash Sharma, highlighted the need to explore innovative marketing avenues and value addition to enhance the commercial potential of agricultural produce. He encouraged farmers to explore opportunities for processing and packaging local produce to improve its marketability and connect with wider markets. He also highlighted the potential of moringa cultivation and its applications in food products and livestock feed. Stressing the importance of strengthening the agricultural sector, he underscored the need to revive dairy farming and promote farm-based enterprises to encourage self-reliance and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
Likewise, Joint Director, AH&VS, Dr Kinchokla Bhutia addressed the participants on livestock fertility and reproductive health, highlighting common causes of infertility, including nutritional deficiencies, reproductive disorders, infectious diseases, hormonal imbalances and improper management practices. She also explained the role of artificial insemination in livestock breeding and outlined the treatment and management approaches adopted to address reproductive issues.
Further, she briefed the farmers on livestock insurance schemes covering cattle, pigs, sheep and goats, explaining the enrolment procedures and the respective contributions of farmers and the government. She also provided information on the Kisan Credit Card loan, highlighting its role in facilitating access to institutional credit.
Prior to the session, Deputy Director, Agriculture Department cum Deputy Project Director, ATMA Pakyong, Ms Rebecca Gurung, highlighted the activities and objectives of ATMA in the district, describing agriculture as the backbone of society and farmers as the unsung heroes of the nation. She outlined the agency’s role in capacity building, technology transfer, inter-departmental coordination, farmer group mobilisation and empowerment. She also briefed the participants on the composition of ATMA’s committees and acknowledged the support and coordination extended by the line departments in implementing farmer-oriented programmes. Emphasising ATMA’s grassroots-level approach, she highlighted initiatives such as Farm Schools, Kisan Melas and exposure visits as important platforms for knowledge sharing, practical learning and the adoption of improved farming practices.
She also highlighted the ongoing nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan, being observed from October 22 to November 30, 2026, with a focus on protecting soil health and encouraging sustainable farming practices. She briefed the participants on the activities being undertaken across various GPUs in the district under the campaign, stressing the importance of soil health and responsible farming practices.
Encouraging farmers to explore new opportunities, she urged them to become progressive and entrepreneurial, explore agri-tourism and identify commercially viable farming ventures. She also emphasised the importance of bringing more land under cultivation and making use of available schemes to strengthen farm-based livelihoods.
In her address, District Fisheries Development Officer, Mrs Gauri Mukhia, highlighted the activities and schemes of the Fisheries Department, emphasising the potential of fish farming to generate higher production and income even in limited spaces. She outlined the department’s vision of increasing fish production, promoting value addition, encouraging eco-tourism and generating livelihood and employment opportunities.
She briefed the participants on the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), explaining its objectives, funding pattern, subsidy provisions and various components, including ornamental fish farming, trout hatcheries and biofloc-based fish farming. She also briefed the participants on various online platforms through which farmers, fish farmers, fishermen and other stakeholders could access information on government schemes, submit project proposals, apply for licences and obtain vendor NOCs and other necessary approvals and departmental support.
She highlighted the potential of trout farming in the northeastern states and elaborated on the state government’s Mukhya Mantri Matsya Utpadan Yojana.
Further, District Coordinator, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Ms Dil Kumari Subba, elaborated on the guidelines for crop insurance under the scheme for the Kharif and Rabi seasons. She explained the documents required, the procedures for enrolment and the steps involved in availing crop insurance. She also briefed on the Meri Policy Mere Haath initiative and briefed the farmers on the importance of the scheme.
Prior to the programme, the delegates toured the exhibition stalls and interacted with farmers, representatives of cooperative societies, Self-Help Groups and Farmer Producer Organisations from various blocks. The stalls showcased a diverse range of agricultural and horticultural produce, value-added products and farming activities, highlighting local production and the entrepreneurial initiatives of the farming community.
Alongside the exhibition, a livestock fertility camp funded under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission was also organised by the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department, Pakyong District, at the venue.
During the programme, appreciation letters were presented to the District Farmers Award recipient and block-level awardees from various blocks in recognition of their contributions to the agricultural sector.
Appreciation certificates were also presented to progressive farmer Mr Dilip Pradhan in recognition of his nomination as State Farmers Advisory Chairman, while departmental staff members from various blocks were recognised for their contributions and work in their respective fields.
Policy documents were distributed to farmers under the Meri Policy Mere Haath initiative.
Following the programme, awards for the best exhibition stalls were presented to Kopchey Ward of Rhenock, which secured first place, followed by Tulip SHG of Namcheybung in second place and Women Catering Group of Chujachen in third place.
Appreciation certificates were also distributed to the participating exhibitors in recognition of their participation.
The event was attended by officials from Agriculture and Horticulture Department, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department, and Fisheries Department, along with BTMs and ATMs, field functionaries and progressive farmers from various blocks across the district.
