ATMA Namchi District, Department of Agriculture, Government of Sikkim District Farmers Advisory Committee (DFAC) Meeting NAMCHI, 19 May : The District Farmers Advisory Committee (DFAC) meeting under the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Namchi District, was successfully held on 19th May 2025 at the DAC Conference Hall, Namchi. The meeting commenced with a welcome speech by Mr. Mani Chettri, who extended warm greetings to all the dignitaries, field-level officials, and progressive farmers present. He emphasized the importance of convergence and participatory dialogue for successful agricultural planning and development. The session was chaired by Smt. Nirmala Moktan, Additional Director, Agriculture (Namchi), and Committee Chairperson of DFAC. She appreciated the efforts of all departments and highlighted the importance of synergy among stakeholders for effective delivery of schemes and benefits to the farming community. Mr. Dhayal Rai, Computer Programmer, shared a brief presentation on the PM-Kisan Saturation Drive, outlining the importance of reaching 100% eligible farmer coverage under the scheme. He emphasized the role of data verification, field-level mobilization, and timely processing in achieving saturation targets. Dr. Nation Chamling, Deputy Project Director, ATMA Namchi District, delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting the various activities carried out by ATMA during the previous year. He walked the attendees through major achievements, field-level demonstrations, capacity-building programmes, and success stories under the ATMA framework. His presentation also showcased the critical role played by ATMA in strengthening the agricultural extension system through participatory approaches and convergence with other line departments. He also presented an important and timely overview of the Revised Operational Guidelines of the ATMA Scheme 2025. He emphasized the updated framework’s focus on grassroots-level planning, increased stakeholder involvement, improved service delivery, and performance-based evaluation mechanisms. He urged all field functionaries and officials to familiarize themselves with the new guidelines and align their interventions accordingly for more impactful outcomes. Following this, Mr. Suchan Darjee, representative of Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited, gave a brief presentation on the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). He explained the key benefits of the scheme, the enrollment process, claim procedures, and encouraged farmers to actively participate to safeguard their crops against natural calamities and yield losses. Mr. Wangyal Lepcha, Deputy Director, Agriculture (Namchi District), gave a detailed presentation on all the schemes implemented by the Agriculture Department in Namchi. He emphasized the importance of timely dissemination of scheme information and capacity-building support to maximize farmer outreach and adoption. Dr. Lata Rai, Additional Director, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services Department, shared valuable insights on the importance of fodder production. She underlined how improved fodder availability directly enhances livestock productivity and encouraged collaboration between her department and ATMA field functionaries to popularize quality fodder varieties at the village level. Mr. I.P. Shivakoti, Senior Scientist & Head, KVK Namthang, introduced promising new crop varieties such as Sikkim Dhan 1 and tomato variety Arka Abhed, noting their potential to increase yield and resist pests. He emphasized the need for field demonstrations and encouraged farmers to adopt these varieties for improved agricultural outcomes. Mr. Rochak Subba, Deputy Director, Fisheries Department, highlighted key schemes from his department that support fish production and aquaculture. He specifically mentioned the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) as a major initiative offering subsidies, technical support, and infrastructure development to aspiring fish farmers in the district. Dr. Srijana Pradhan, Deputy Director, Horticulture Department, elaborated on the various schemes being implemented under her department, including the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) and the Area Expansion Programme. She also discussed the support being given for cultivation of flowers, post-harvest infrastructure, and the National Bamboo Mission, encouraging farmers to take advantage of these schemes for crop diversification and income enhancement. From every block, progressive farmers were felicitated for their exceptional contributions in the agriculture sector. Their achievements were recognized as examples of innovation, dedication, and resilience in modern farming practices. The vote of thanks was delivered by Mr. Barun Rai, Agriculture Inspector, who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, departmental officers, and farmer participants. He thanked everyone for making the meeting a productive and insightful event. The meeting served as a successful platform for participatory planning and exchange of ideas between departments and the farming community. The Department of Agriculture reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with farmers and stakeholders to ensure inclusive, effective, and sustainable agricultural development in Namchi District.