News & Announcement
Entrepreneurship Development Programme and Stakeholder Orientation on Spices held at DAC Pakyong
Pakyong, October 14 (IPR): An Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP) and Stakeholder Orientation on Spices was organised by the Spices Board in coordination with the Department of Horticulture, Pakyong District, at the conference hall of the District Administrative Centre, Pakyong, today.
The programme aimed to familiarise progressive farmers, aspiring entrepreneurs and other stakeholders with the entrepreneurial potential of the spices sector, while highlighting opportunities for business development, value addition, market access and financial support. It also sought to facilitate a better understanding of the institutional support and schemes available to encourage entrepreneurship.
District Collector, Pakyong, Ms Pari Bishnoi, presided over the programme as the chief guest.
In her address, DC Pakyong highlighted the upcoming processing facility at Namcheybung in Pakyong District and encouraged participants to come together, form groups and register firms to explore opportunities in the spices sector. She assured them of administrative support and facilitation to help translate their entrepreneurial ideas into viable ventures.
She emphasised that entrepreneurship holds significant potential for the future and encouraged participants to interact with one another, exchange experiences and learn from each other's journeys. Highlighting the importance of storytelling and branding in building a successful business, she noted that the administration could facilitate support in branding and marketing to help local products reach wider markets.
She further assured participants that the administration would assist in connecting them with the concerned departments to address field-level challenges, including issues related to water availability, diseases and pests. Stressing the transformative potential of processing and value addition, she observed that these could significantly enhance the value and marketability of local produce. She also encouraged greater participation of young people in entrepreneurship, highlighting its potential to create growth opportunities and bring greater recognition to local products and enterprises.
Scientist In-Charge, Indian Cardamom Research Institute, RRS, Spices Board, Tadong, Dr John Jo Varghese, delivered a session on organic certification and buyer-seller integration, highlighting the potential of Sikkim’s organic spices in premium domestic and international markets. He emphasised that organic farming must be supported by proper certification, consistent quality standards and effective market linkages to translate the State’s organic identity into commercial value.
The session covered the National Programme for Organic Production, grower group certification, Internal Control Systems, transaction certificates and the role of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in promoting agricultural exports and overseeing the NPOP framework. He also explained the TraceNet system, which facilitates online traceability of certified organic products. Highlighting that organic certification alone does not guarantee product quality, he stressed the importance of standardised drying and curing practices, moisture control and mould prevention to preserve the aroma, colour and quality of spices.
He encouraged stakeholders to strengthen quality assurance, traceability and market integration to position Sikkim as a trusted source of high-quality organic spices, while creating sustainable market opportunities and better livelihood prospects for farmers.
Prior to the programme, Deputy Director, Department of Horticulture, Pakyong District, Ms Hissay Cheday Bhutia, outlined the objective of the programme, highlighting the business opportunities available in the spices sector beyond cultivation, including processing, packaging and marketing. She emphasised the importance of taking locally produced products from cultivation to the market through local outlets, exhibitions and other marketing channels, while also exploring opportunities for scaling up enterprises and accessing export markets. She urged the participants to make the most of the sessions and utilise the knowledge and insights shared to explore entrepreneurial opportunities in the sector.
Assistant Director In-Charge, Spices Board, Dr Kuldeep Rai, delivered a technical session on international spice trade, export opportunities and the interventions of the Spices Board. He highlighted the importance of brand promotion, market positioning and value addition, while highlighting challenges across the spice value chain, including cultivation practices, post-harvest handling, processing, traceability and market linkages.
He outlined the opportunities and challenges of exporting spices from Northeast India, emphasising the region’s unique high-value varieties and organic credentials as potential advantages in global markets. The session covered key aspects of export procedures, including exporter registration, ITC (HS) codes, Incoterms 2020, export documentation and risk management. He also explained the roles of different stakeholders in international spice trade and highlighted the applicable sampling and testing requirements prescribed by the Spices Board for export consignments. He stressed the need for aspiring entrepreneurs to understand changing consumer preferences and adopt appropriate strategies to improve product quality, competitiveness and access to international markets.
Further, Lead District Manager, Central Bank of India, Pakyong, Ms Passang Sherpa, highlighted the role of banks in supporting aspiring entrepreneurs through credit facilities, financial linkages and guidance on relevant government schemes, including the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme. She also discussed business planning and the financial support available to local entrepreneurs, Farmer Producer Companies and Farmer Producer Organisations, emphasising the importance of accessing appropriate banking services to establish and expand their enterprises.
Co-founder of Vartoh Organic and Himalay Fresh, Mr Sailesh Sherpa, shared insights into the roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs, drawing from his own entrepreneurial journey, including the challenges, setbacks and subsequent revival of his business. He highlighted Sikkim’s organic identity as a key advantage in accessing markets beyond the State and stressed the importance of prioritising quality over quantity. He also emphasised value addition, effective branding and the use of e-commerce platforms such as Amazon to expand market reach. Encouraging entrepreneurs to make the most of local resources and skills, he advised them to coordinate with the concerned department to explore market linkages and export opportunities.
Coordinator, Natures Gift Company, Mazitar, Mr Pema Tshering Tamang, spoke on entrepreneurship in the agri-horticulture sector of Sikkim, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. Drawing from the company's experience, he outlined its journey and development, including the establishment of its processing unit, the machinery used and the range of products covered under its scope certificate.
He also highlighted the key requirements for establishing and successfully operating an agricultural enterprise, emphasising the importance of proper documentation, statutory licences and certifications. The session covered the significance of the Importer-Exporter Code for international trade, UDYAM registration certificate, FSSAI License, the National Programme for Organic Production certification and transaction certificates for organic products, particularly in facilitating market access and ensuring traceability.
Following the session, an open discussion was held on the proposed processing facility and challenges faced by entrepreneurs, during which officials addressed participants’ queries and provided guidance on available support and market opportunities.
The programme was attended by Deputy Director, Spices Board, Regional Office, Gangtok, Mr Phurba Tshering Lepcha; officials from the Horticulture Department and Spices Board; members from various FPOs, aspiring entrepreneurs, SHG members and progressive farmers.
The programme aimed to familiarise progressive farmers, aspiring entrepreneurs and other stakeholders with the entrepreneurial potential of the spices sector, while highlighting opportunities for business development, value addition, market access and financial support. It also sought to facilitate a better understanding of the institutional support and schemes available to encourage entrepreneurship.
District Collector, Pakyong, Ms Pari Bishnoi, presided over the programme as the chief guest.
In her address, DC Pakyong highlighted the upcoming processing facility at Namcheybung in Pakyong District and encouraged participants to come together, form groups and register firms to explore opportunities in the spices sector. She assured them of administrative support and facilitation to help translate their entrepreneurial ideas into viable ventures.
She emphasised that entrepreneurship holds significant potential for the future and encouraged participants to interact with one another, exchange experiences and learn from each other's journeys. Highlighting the importance of storytelling and branding in building a successful business, she noted that the administration could facilitate support in branding and marketing to help local products reach wider markets.
She further assured participants that the administration would assist in connecting them with the concerned departments to address field-level challenges, including issues related to water availability, diseases and pests. Stressing the transformative potential of processing and value addition, she observed that these could significantly enhance the value and marketability of local produce. She also encouraged greater participation of young people in entrepreneurship, highlighting its potential to create growth opportunities and bring greater recognition to local products and enterprises.
Scientist In-Charge, Indian Cardamom Research Institute, RRS, Spices Board, Tadong, Dr John Jo Varghese, delivered a session on organic certification and buyer-seller integration, highlighting the potential of Sikkim’s organic spices in premium domestic and international markets. He emphasised that organic farming must be supported by proper certification, consistent quality standards and effective market linkages to translate the State’s organic identity into commercial value.
The session covered the National Programme for Organic Production, grower group certification, Internal Control Systems, transaction certificates and the role of the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) in promoting agricultural exports and overseeing the NPOP framework. He also explained the TraceNet system, which facilitates online traceability of certified organic products. Highlighting that organic certification alone does not guarantee product quality, he stressed the importance of standardised drying and curing practices, moisture control and mould prevention to preserve the aroma, colour and quality of spices.
He encouraged stakeholders to strengthen quality assurance, traceability and market integration to position Sikkim as a trusted source of high-quality organic spices, while creating sustainable market opportunities and better livelihood prospects for farmers.
Prior to the programme, Deputy Director, Department of Horticulture, Pakyong District, Ms Hissay Cheday Bhutia, outlined the objective of the programme, highlighting the business opportunities available in the spices sector beyond cultivation, including processing, packaging and marketing. She emphasised the importance of taking locally produced products from cultivation to the market through local outlets, exhibitions and other marketing channels, while also exploring opportunities for scaling up enterprises and accessing export markets. She urged the participants to make the most of the sessions and utilise the knowledge and insights shared to explore entrepreneurial opportunities in the sector.
Assistant Director In-Charge, Spices Board, Dr Kuldeep Rai, delivered a technical session on international spice trade, export opportunities and the interventions of the Spices Board. He highlighted the importance of brand promotion, market positioning and value addition, while highlighting challenges across the spice value chain, including cultivation practices, post-harvest handling, processing, traceability and market linkages.
He outlined the opportunities and challenges of exporting spices from Northeast India, emphasising the region’s unique high-value varieties and organic credentials as potential advantages in global markets. The session covered key aspects of export procedures, including exporter registration, ITC (HS) codes, Incoterms 2020, export documentation and risk management. He also explained the roles of different stakeholders in international spice trade and highlighted the applicable sampling and testing requirements prescribed by the Spices Board for export consignments. He stressed the need for aspiring entrepreneurs to understand changing consumer preferences and adopt appropriate strategies to improve product quality, competitiveness and access to international markets.
Further, Lead District Manager, Central Bank of India, Pakyong, Ms Passang Sherpa, highlighted the role of banks in supporting aspiring entrepreneurs through credit facilities, financial linkages and guidance on relevant government schemes, including the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme. She also discussed business planning and the financial support available to local entrepreneurs, Farmer Producer Companies and Farmer Producer Organisations, emphasising the importance of accessing appropriate banking services to establish and expand their enterprises.
Co-founder of Vartoh Organic and Himalay Fresh, Mr Sailesh Sherpa, shared insights into the roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs, drawing from his own entrepreneurial journey, including the challenges, setbacks and subsequent revival of his business. He highlighted Sikkim’s organic identity as a key advantage in accessing markets beyond the State and stressed the importance of prioritising quality over quantity. He also emphasised value addition, effective branding and the use of e-commerce platforms such as Amazon to expand market reach. Encouraging entrepreneurs to make the most of local resources and skills, he advised them to coordinate with the concerned department to explore market linkages and export opportunities.
Coordinator, Natures Gift Company, Mazitar, Mr Pema Tshering Tamang, spoke on entrepreneurship in the agri-horticulture sector of Sikkim, highlighting the challenges and opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. Drawing from the company's experience, he outlined its journey and development, including the establishment of its processing unit, the machinery used and the range of products covered under its scope certificate.
He also highlighted the key requirements for establishing and successfully operating an agricultural enterprise, emphasising the importance of proper documentation, statutory licences and certifications. The session covered the significance of the Importer-Exporter Code for international trade, UDYAM registration certificate, FSSAI License, the National Programme for Organic Production certification and transaction certificates for organic products, particularly in facilitating market access and ensuring traceability.
Following the session, an open discussion was held on the proposed processing facility and challenges faced by entrepreneurs, during which officials addressed participants’ queries and provided guidance on available support and market opportunities.
The programme was attended by Deputy Director, Spices Board, Regional Office, Gangtok, Mr Phurba Tshering Lepcha; officials from the Horticulture Department and Spices Board; members from various FPOs, aspiring entrepreneurs, SHG members and progressive farmers.
