Press Release
Press release from ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra-East Sikkim, Ranipool
Information & Public Relations Department
Reaching Farmers at the Grassroots: VKSA at Chisopani and Singtam of Gangtok District
Gangtok, June 06: a significant stride toward rural empowerment and agricultural transformation, the Vikshit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) was successfully organized in Chisopani and Singtam villages of the Khamdong Block in Gangtok District, Sikkim. This twin-event initiative forms part of the ongoing nation-wide campaign focused on disseminating information on government schemes and delivering last-mile services to farmers.
Jointly spearheaded by ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), East Sikkim, in collaboration with ICAR-Sikkim Centre and the line departments of the Government of Sikkim—including Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, and Fisheries—the program witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 190 farmers across both venues.
At Chisopani, over 98 farmers actively engaged in activities such as technology demonstrations and expert talks, gaining hands-on insights into modern farming methods. In Singtam, 91 farmers, including a large number of women, tribal farmers, and rural youth, participated in similar interactive sessions and beneficiary enrolment drives. These inclusive events ensured that critical agricultural services reached underrepresented groups, further enhancing social equity in agricultural development.
The events were graced by the presence of several distinguished dignitaries and domain experts. Dr. S.K. Das, Senior Scientist, ICAR, along with Mr. Boniface Lepcha, SMS-Horticulture; Dr. Akanksha, SMS-Animal Science; and Dr. Smruti Ranjan Padhan, SMS-Agronomy from KVK East Sikkim, contributed expert guidance and facilitated technical interactions with the farming community. They were joined by key officials from the Government of Sikkim—Mr. Bharat Sharma, Deputy Director Agriculture cum District VKSA Coordinator; Ms. Tashi Choki Bhutia, Deputy Director Horticulture; Ms. Sushmita Lama Tamang, Deputy Director Agriculture; Dr. Jyoti Gautam, Veterinary Officer; and representatives from the Department of Fisheries—whose presence underscored the united front between scientific institutions and administrative bodies. The Panchayat Presidents of both Gram Panchayat Units, alongside their members, played an instrumental role in mobilizing local farmers and ensuring smooth execution of the events.
Focused on raising awareness about flagship central schemes such as PM-KISAN, Kisan Credit Card (KCC), Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), and the Soil Health Card initiative, the program served as a critical outreach platform. Technical demonstrations covered diverse topics like organic farming, climate-resilient agriculture, integrated pest management, scientific animal husbandry practices, and fisheries management.
Special service booths were set up for real-time registration, scheme enrolment, and grievance redressal, enabling farmers to avail themselves of services such as subsidy schemes, crop insurance support, and agri-infrastructure information. The significant participation of women farmers emphasized their growing leadership in rural development and sustainable agriculture.
These VKSA events in Khamdong block exemplify how integrated institutional cooperation and localized delivery of agricultural innovations can ignite positive change in farming communities. Farmer feedback strongly validated the relevance and impact of the programme, reflecting their appreciation for this direct engagement model that combines governance, science, and grassroots-level service delivery.
The Vikshit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan is steadily advancing the vision of a self-reliant, empowered, and knowledge-driven rural India. In Sikkim’s hilly terrain, the synergistic efforts of ICAR-KVK East Sikkim, ICAR Institutes, and State line departments are bringing science and schemes to farmers’ doorsteps—turning vision into actionable change.
Gangtok, June 06: a significant stride toward rural empowerment and agricultural transformation, the Vikshit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) was successfully organized in Chisopani and Singtam villages of the Khamdong Block in Gangtok District, Sikkim. This twin-event initiative forms part of the ongoing nation-wide campaign focused on disseminating information on government schemes and delivering last-mile services to farmers.
Jointly spearheaded by ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), East Sikkim, in collaboration with ICAR-Sikkim Centre and the line departments of the Government of Sikkim—including Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, and Fisheries—the program witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 190 farmers across both venues.
At Chisopani, over 98 farmers actively engaged in activities such as technology demonstrations and expert talks, gaining hands-on insights into modern farming methods. In Singtam, 91 farmers, including a large number of women, tribal farmers, and rural youth, participated in similar interactive sessions and beneficiary enrolment drives. These inclusive events ensured that critical agricultural services reached underrepresented groups, further enhancing social equity in agricultural development.
The events were graced by the presence of several distinguished dignitaries and domain experts. Dr. S.K. Das, Senior Scientist, ICAR, along with Mr. Boniface Lepcha, SMS-Horticulture; Dr. Akanksha, SMS-Animal Science; and Dr. Smruti Ranjan Padhan, SMS-Agronomy from KVK East Sikkim, contributed expert guidance and facilitated technical interactions with the farming community. They were joined by key officials from the Government of Sikkim—Mr. Bharat Sharma, Deputy Director Agriculture cum District VKSA Coordinator; Ms. Tashi Choki Bhutia, Deputy Director Horticulture; Ms. Sushmita Lama Tamang, Deputy Director Agriculture; Dr. Jyoti Gautam, Veterinary Officer; and representatives from the Department of Fisheries—whose presence underscored the united front between scientific institutions and administrative bodies. The Panchayat Presidents of both Gram Panchayat Units, alongside their members, played an instrumental role in mobilizing local farmers and ensuring smooth execution of the events.
Focused on raising awareness about flagship central schemes such as PM-KISAN, Kisan Credit Card (KCC), Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), and the Soil Health Card initiative, the program served as a critical outreach platform. Technical demonstrations covered diverse topics like organic farming, climate-resilient agriculture, integrated pest management, scientific animal husbandry practices, and fisheries management.
Special service booths were set up for real-time registration, scheme enrolment, and grievance redressal, enabling farmers to avail themselves of services such as subsidy schemes, crop insurance support, and agri-infrastructure information. The significant participation of women farmers emphasized their growing leadership in rural development and sustainable agriculture.
These VKSA events in Khamdong block exemplify how integrated institutional cooperation and localized delivery of agricultural innovations can ignite positive change in farming communities. Farmer feedback strongly validated the relevance and impact of the programme, reflecting their appreciation for this direct engagement model that combines governance, science, and grassroots-level service delivery.
The Vikshit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan is steadily advancing the vision of a self-reliant, empowered, and knowledge-driven rural India. In Sikkim’s hilly terrain, the synergistic efforts of ICAR-KVK East Sikkim, ICAR Institutes, and State line departments are bringing science and schemes to farmers’ doorsteps—turning vision into actionable change.