News & Announcement
One-Day Kisan Mela Celebrates International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 at KVK Gyaba
Gyalshing, November 4 (IPR): A one-day Kisan Mela, commemorating the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 was organised by the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Gyalshing, at Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Gyaba, to recognise the contributions of women farmers and promote agricultural development through knowledge sharing, technological interventions and institutional support.
The District Collector, Gyalshing-cum-Chairman, ATMA, Mr Tenzing D Denzongpa, attended the programme as the Chief Guest, accompanied by panchayat President, 14-Singyang-Chumbung GPU, Ms Tshering Phuti Bhutia, Additional Director (Agriculture/Horticulture)-cum-Project Director(ATMA), Mr Karma Sherpa, Additional Director(AH&Vs), Mr BB Subba, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK, Mr Bhison Pradhan and Deputy Director-cum-Deputy Project Director, ATMA, Dr Karma Bhutia, among others.
Upon arrival, the Chief Guest was accorded a warm welcome, followed by a visit to exhibition stalls set up by Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from various blocks and an apiculture unit operating under Gyalshing District.
The formal programme commenced at the conference hall of KVK, Gyaba, with a welcome address by Additional Director, Agriculture and Horticulture-cum-Project Director, ATMA Mr Karma Sherpa. In his address, he highlighted the various initiatives being undertaken by ATMA to strengthen the agricultural sector, including capacity-building programmes and farmer training, exhibitions and Kisan Melas, exposure visits within and outside the State, support to Farmer Interest Groups and recognition of progressive farmers. He also emphasised the continued support extended to farmers through field-level functionaries of the concerned departments.
Thereafter, Lead District Manager, Mr Nitish Kumar, delivered an informative session on financial literacy, highlighting the importance of financial planning, savings and the benefits of compound interest. He also briefed the gathering on various financial inclusion initiatives, including Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY). He particularly encouraged farmers to avail themselves of financial assistance through the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, which provides access to institutional credit at concessional interest rates and assured that eligible applicants would receive the necessary assistance.
A key highlight of the programme was the felicitation of progressive women farmers at the district and block levels in recognition of their contributions and achievements in the agricultural sector. The awardees were presented with citations and cash incentives.
The awardees included:
District-Level Recognition:
1. Ms Bhumika Sharma – Hee-Martam Block.
Block-Level Recognition:
1. Ms Devi Maya Sharma – Hee-Martam Block.
2. Ms Ongmu Lepcha – Dentam Block.
3. Ms Lahangma Limboo – Gyalshing Block.
4. Ms Tara Devi Chettri – Yuksam Block.
5. Ms Pem Diki Lepcha – Chongrang Block.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Mr Tenzing D Denzongpa congratulated the felicitated women farmers and encouraged them to continue their efforts towards strengthening agricultural practices and contributing to the local economy. He also urged the younger generation to consider agriculture and allied sectors as viable avenues for livelihood and entrepreneurship, highlighting the growing market opportunities and the importance of diversifying income sources.
He informed that Gyalshing District had secured the third rank nationally among 100 focus districts for its performance in the category of Enhancing Agricultural Productivity under the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY). He congratulated the farming community, concerned departments and field functionaries for their collective efforts in achieving the recognition.
The Chief Guest further highlighted the importance of improving access to essential services in remote areas and informed that a State Bank of India branch would soon be established at Tashiding following repeated efforts and representations. The proposed facility is expected to improve banking accessibility for residents of far-flung areas, particularly Karzi and Dhupi.
Referring to the recent landslide incident at Rimbi-Singlitham, he acknowledged the timely intervention and coordinated response of the District Administration and supporting agencies, which helped avert any loss of human or animal life. He also called upon the public to use social media responsibly and constructively, promoting positive communication and the dissemination of verified information.
Further, he highlighted the availability of various government grants, subsidies and concessional loan facilities for aspiring entrepreneurs and individuals interested in establishing small-scale enterprises. Emphasising the agricultural and horticultural potential of Gyalshing District, he encouraged farmers to adopt improved farming practices, explore emerging opportunities and address sectoral challenges through innovation, collaboration and a positive approach.
On the occasion, the Chief Guest also distributed agricultural machinery, equipment and other essential inputs, including power tillers and agricultural pipes, to identified beneficiaries across various blocks to support farming activities and improve agricultural productivity.
During the subsequent visit to the exhibition stalls, Mr Gaurav Tirwa, Horticulture Development Officer (HDO), Yuksam, briefed the Chief Guest on the various agricultural and horticultural inputs and interventions being extended to farmers by the concerned departments. The demonstration and display focused on Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Integrated Disease Management (IDM), Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) and Post-Harvest Management practices aimed at promoting sustainable farming, reducing crop losses and improving the quality of agricultural produce.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr Karma Bhutia, Deputy Director-cum-Deputy Project Director, ATMA, Gyalshing.
The District Collector, Gyalshing-cum-Chairman, ATMA, Mr Tenzing D Denzongpa, attended the programme as the Chief Guest, accompanied by panchayat President, 14-Singyang-Chumbung GPU, Ms Tshering Phuti Bhutia, Additional Director (Agriculture/Horticulture)-cum-Project Director(ATMA), Mr Karma Sherpa, Additional Director(AH&Vs), Mr BB Subba, Senior Scientist and Head, KVK, Mr Bhison Pradhan and Deputy Director-cum-Deputy Project Director, ATMA, Dr Karma Bhutia, among others.
Upon arrival, the Chief Guest was accorded a warm welcome, followed by a visit to exhibition stalls set up by Self-Help Groups (SHGs) from various blocks and an apiculture unit operating under Gyalshing District.
The formal programme commenced at the conference hall of KVK, Gyaba, with a welcome address by Additional Director, Agriculture and Horticulture-cum-Project Director, ATMA Mr Karma Sherpa. In his address, he highlighted the various initiatives being undertaken by ATMA to strengthen the agricultural sector, including capacity-building programmes and farmer training, exhibitions and Kisan Melas, exposure visits within and outside the State, support to Farmer Interest Groups and recognition of progressive farmers. He also emphasised the continued support extended to farmers through field-level functionaries of the concerned departments.
Thereafter, Lead District Manager, Mr Nitish Kumar, delivered an informative session on financial literacy, highlighting the importance of financial planning, savings and the benefits of compound interest. He also briefed the gathering on various financial inclusion initiatives, including Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) and Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY). He particularly encouraged farmers to avail themselves of financial assistance through the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, which provides access to institutional credit at concessional interest rates and assured that eligible applicants would receive the necessary assistance.
A key highlight of the programme was the felicitation of progressive women farmers at the district and block levels in recognition of their contributions and achievements in the agricultural sector. The awardees were presented with citations and cash incentives.
The awardees included:
District-Level Recognition:
1. Ms Bhumika Sharma – Hee-Martam Block.
Block-Level Recognition:
1. Ms Devi Maya Sharma – Hee-Martam Block.
2. Ms Ongmu Lepcha – Dentam Block.
3. Ms Lahangma Limboo – Gyalshing Block.
4. Ms Tara Devi Chettri – Yuksam Block.
5. Ms Pem Diki Lepcha – Chongrang Block.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Mr Tenzing D Denzongpa congratulated the felicitated women farmers and encouraged them to continue their efforts towards strengthening agricultural practices and contributing to the local economy. He also urged the younger generation to consider agriculture and allied sectors as viable avenues for livelihood and entrepreneurship, highlighting the growing market opportunities and the importance of diversifying income sources.
He informed that Gyalshing District had secured the third rank nationally among 100 focus districts for its performance in the category of Enhancing Agricultural Productivity under the Prime Minister Dhan-Dhaanya Krishi Yojana (PMDDKY). He congratulated the farming community, concerned departments and field functionaries for their collective efforts in achieving the recognition.
The Chief Guest further highlighted the importance of improving access to essential services in remote areas and informed that a State Bank of India branch would soon be established at Tashiding following repeated efforts and representations. The proposed facility is expected to improve banking accessibility for residents of far-flung areas, particularly Karzi and Dhupi.
Referring to the recent landslide incident at Rimbi-Singlitham, he acknowledged the timely intervention and coordinated response of the District Administration and supporting agencies, which helped avert any loss of human or animal life. He also called upon the public to use social media responsibly and constructively, promoting positive communication and the dissemination of verified information.
Further, he highlighted the availability of various government grants, subsidies and concessional loan facilities for aspiring entrepreneurs and individuals interested in establishing small-scale enterprises. Emphasising the agricultural and horticultural potential of Gyalshing District, he encouraged farmers to adopt improved farming practices, explore emerging opportunities and address sectoral challenges through innovation, collaboration and a positive approach.
On the occasion, the Chief Guest also distributed agricultural machinery, equipment and other essential inputs, including power tillers and agricultural pipes, to identified beneficiaries across various blocks to support farming activities and improve agricultural productivity.
During the subsequent visit to the exhibition stalls, Mr Gaurav Tirwa, Horticulture Development Officer (HDO), Yuksam, briefed the Chief Guest on the various agricultural and horticultural inputs and interventions being extended to farmers by the concerned departments. The demonstration and display focused on Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Integrated Disease Management (IDM), Integrated Nutrient Management (INM) and Post-Harvest Management practices aimed at promoting sustainable farming, reducing crop losses and improving the quality of agricultural produce.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr Karma Bhutia, Deputy Director-cum-Deputy Project Director, ATMA, Gyalshing.
