Press Release
Press Release from Department of Science and Technology
Information & Public Relations Department
Brainstorming Session to Revitalize Large Cardamom in Sikkim held in Delhi
New Delhi, 12th December 2024: Large cardamom is more than just a crop for Sikkim—it is a lifeline for over 16,000 farming households, a cultural emblem, and a key contributor to the state’s agricultural economy. In a landmark effort to restore Sikkim’s glory as the global hub for large cardamom cultivation, a high-profile brainstorming meeting was held under the visionary leadership of Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India.
Organized at the request of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Sikkim, this meeting brought together some of the nation’s brightest minds from premier institutions and industries to devise a robust strategy to tackle the pressing challenges faced by this vital crop.
The meeting, held in New Delhi, was attended by an impressive panel of experts and senior officials from DBT, NABI (Mohali), IBSD (Manipur), NIPGR (New Delhi), ICGEB (New Delhi), BHU (Varanasi), NCBS (Bangalore), ATGC Biotech, T. Stanes and Company, and other key organizations. Representing the Government of Sikkim, Dr. Sandeep Tambe, Secretary of Science and Technology, participated in person, with Shri Tilak Gajmer, Secretary Horticulture, Shri Dhirendra Shrestha, Principal Director DST and other senior officers joining virtually.
The discussions covered critical issues such as ensuring access to disease-free planting material, breaking the disease cycle through innovative interventions, launching research trials to experiment with cutting-edge biotechnological solutions, extending the lifespan and productivity of the crop using bio-control agents, bio-stimulants, and microbiome-based applications and driving genetic improvements for long-term sustainability.
A major highlight was the resolution to form a high-level Working Group tasked with crafting a detailed strategy and action plan for sustainable large cardamom farming. This comprehensive plan will encompass short-, medium-, and long-term measures to be rolled out within a time-bound framework.
With the roadmap expected to be finalized within a month, this meeting marks the beginning of a transformative journey for large cardamom cultivation in Sikkim. This initiative reaffirms the commitment of the Government of Sikkim to using scientific innovation, technological advancements, and collaborative efforts to elevate Sikkim back to its rightful position as a global leader in large cardamom production.
New Delhi, 12th December 2024: Large cardamom is more than just a crop for Sikkim—it is a lifeline for over 16,000 farming households, a cultural emblem, and a key contributor to the state’s agricultural economy. In a landmark effort to restore Sikkim’s glory as the global hub for large cardamom cultivation, a high-profile brainstorming meeting was held under the visionary leadership of Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India.
Organized at the request of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Sikkim, this meeting brought together some of the nation’s brightest minds from premier institutions and industries to devise a robust strategy to tackle the pressing challenges faced by this vital crop.
The meeting, held in New Delhi, was attended by an impressive panel of experts and senior officials from DBT, NABI (Mohali), IBSD (Manipur), NIPGR (New Delhi), ICGEB (New Delhi), BHU (Varanasi), NCBS (Bangalore), ATGC Biotech, T. Stanes and Company, and other key organizations. Representing the Government of Sikkim, Dr. Sandeep Tambe, Secretary of Science and Technology, participated in person, with Shri Tilak Gajmer, Secretary Horticulture, Shri Dhirendra Shrestha, Principal Director DST and other senior officers joining virtually.
The discussions covered critical issues such as ensuring access to disease-free planting material, breaking the disease cycle through innovative interventions, launching research trials to experiment with cutting-edge biotechnological solutions, extending the lifespan and productivity of the crop using bio-control agents, bio-stimulants, and microbiome-based applications and driving genetic improvements for long-term sustainability.
A major highlight was the resolution to form a high-level Working Group tasked with crafting a detailed strategy and action plan for sustainable large cardamom farming. This comprehensive plan will encompass short-, medium-, and long-term measures to be rolled out within a time-bound framework.
With the roadmap expected to be finalized within a month, this meeting marks the beginning of a transformative journey for large cardamom cultivation in Sikkim. This initiative reaffirms the commitment of the Government of Sikkim to using scientific innovation, technological advancements, and collaborative efforts to elevate Sikkim back to its rightful position as a global leader in large cardamom production.