Pakyong, 04 September (IPR):
Mr Raju Basnet, Minister of Education Department, Sports and Youth Affairs Department, Law Department, and Parliamentary Affairs Department cum MLA Namcheybong, attended the poultry growers and buyers stakeholders meeting of Namcheybong constituency at Community Hall Pakyong today.
The gathering served as a platform to unite key industry figures from diverse sectors with the common goal of tackling challenges and exploring opportunities within the poultry industry.
Discussions during the meeting were centred around strategies to boost production, strengthen market connections, and address the pressing issues encountered by both poultry farmers and buyers.
Minister Raju Basnet underscored the pivotal role of poultry farming in meeting the escalating demands for poultry products, emphasising the need to bolster and streamline poultry farming in Namcheybong. He added that the aim is to establish a well-structured framework that enables growers to operate with enhanced efficiency and effectiveness.
He highlighted the significance of optimally utilising input sources and maintaining a robust support system to ensure that growers can leverage the knowledge and insights shared during the meeting. By amalgamating the diverse perspectives shared by the representatives present, the initiative aims to provide clear guidance and unwavering support to local poultry farmers as they navigate the industry landscape, he added.
Minister Basnet stressed the importance of collaboration among growers, buyers, and other stakeholders, highlighting that unity and cooperation are the cornerstones for the successful expansion and progression of the poultry sector.
Additionally, he shed light on the benefits of the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, which extends essential financial support to farmers. He encouraged poultry growers to capitalise on this scheme, elucidating how it can be leveraged to cover expenses and enhance operational efficiency.
Expressing his heartfelt gratitude to all participants, Minister Raju Basnet concluded his address, paving the way for further insights and contributions from key stakeholders.
Mr DP Pradhan, Director, Department Poultry Division under the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services Department, provided an informative overview of the support extended by the Poultry Division to farmers. He emphasised the imperative need for harmonious cooperation among various ecosystem components, such as growers, buyers, and feed suppliers, and delved into contemporary practices and sustainable approaches to poultry farming.
Mr Kailash Rai, General Manager, Sikkim State Co-operative Supply and Marketing Federation Ltd. (SIMFED), elaborated on how SIMFED could facilitate poultry growers in procuring feed, an essential aspect of poultry farming. He assured that SIMFED would offer competitive rates, making quality feed more accessible to farmers and aiding in reducing input costs while maintaining high standards.
Mr Tashi Sherpa, Representative from Denzong Agricultural Cooperative Society Limited (DACS) elucidated the support DACS could provide to poultry growers in the supply chain aspect of the business. He emphasised the necessity of structured supply chains and highlighted DACS's process of supplying meat to the army, thereby showcasing potential avenues for local growers to tap into broader markets through cooperative backing.
Mr Gopal Chettri, Commerce & Industries Department, briefed attendees on various schemes benefiting farmers, including the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), the Skilled Youth Startup Scheme, and the Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme. He detailed the incentives and subsidies available under these programs.
Ms Ranjana Adhikari, DRCS Cooperation Department's shed light on the establishment and operation of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), underscoring their advantages and pivotal role in bolstering farmer support.
Ms Shradha Sharma, President, Sikkim Hotel Restaurants Association (SHRA), provided valuable insights into market procurement and SHRA's commitment to sustainable development. She expressed eagerness to collaborate with local vendors through cooperative platforms to enhance procurement and bolster the local poultry industry, despite potential hurdles faced by SHRA in engaging with individual poultry growers.
Mr Abhimanyu Dhakal,President of the UNNATI Foundation, shared in-depth perspectives on market dynamics and dispensed business advisory, stressing the crucial interplay between quantity and quality in poultry farming.
Mr Ramesh Chettri, Manager, SISCO Bank, discussed banking incentives available for poultry growers, including the Kisan Credit Card (KCC), and its pivotal role in providing financial support.
The meeting concluded on an interactive note with an open house discussion, allowing poultry growers and stakeholders to engage in direct dialogue and resolve any queries or concerns.
The programme also had the presence of Dr Anjala Pradhan, Additional Director AH&VS; Dr Sanjay Rai, Joint Director Poultry Division; Mr Jigmee Wangdi, Deputy Secretary DIC Gangtok; Panchayat members and farmers.