Press Release
Press release from ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra Ranipool
Information & Public Relations Department
VKSA Strengthens Farmer Linkages in Syari and Saramsa GPUs of Gangtok District
Continuing its mission to empower farming communities through grassroots engagement, the Vikshit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) reached the Kopibari Syari and Nandok Saramsa Gram Panchayat Units under Nandok Block of Gangtok District on the eleventh day of its campaign on June 11, 2025. With more than 215 farmers in attendance—including a strong presence of women and rural youth—the event proved to be another milestone in the campaign’s commitment to inclusive agricultural development in Sikkim.
The program was organized by ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), East Sikkim, Ranipool, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS), and the Department of Fisheries, Government of Sikkim. The convergence of these agencies under the VKSA platform ensured that farmers received not only knowledge but also access to essential government services in one comprehensive setting.
The program was dignified by the presence of Mrs. Bishnu Maya Chettri, Panchayat President of Kopibari Syari; Mrs. Dhan Maya Rai, Zilla Panchayat Member; and Mr. Dinesh Kumar Chhetri, Panchayat President of Nandok Saramsa GPU. Local panchayat members commended the integrated approach taken under the VKSA and encouraged farmers to take advantage of the schemes and services offered during the program.
A strong team of technical experts was on hand to guide the sessions. This included Dr. Akanksha, SMS (Animal Science), and Dr. Smruti Ranjan Padhan, SMS (Agronomy) from ICAR-KVK East Sikkim, along with Dr. S.K. Sathpathy, Professor, CAEPHT. Together, they delivered region-specific technical advice tailored to the local terrain, crops, and livestock practices.
The program’s impact was further enriched by the participation of Mr. Bharat Sharma, Deputy Director of Agriculture and District Coordinator of VKSA; Mr. Sonam Wangdi Lepcha, Horticulture Development Officer; Dr. Nikhil Rai, Veterinary Officer, AH&VS; and Ms. Sonam Tshering, Block Officer from the Department of Fisheries along with field functionaries of the line departments. These officials highlighted ongoing departmental schemes, subsidies, and services that farmers can avail of, with special emphasis on accessibility for small and marginal farmers.
The day's sessions included practical discussions on integrated farming systems, organic and climate-resilient cultivation, livestock disease prevention, and scientific aquaculture methods. Notably, the event facilitated on-the-spot registration for schemes such as PM-KISAN, PMFBY, Kisan Credit Card (KCC), and Soil Health Card, making the campaign a functional gateway for immediate scheme access.
Sakchyam Nari SHG of Nandok, along with several other Self Help Groups, actively participated in the event by showcasing and displaying their locally produced organic products.
Participants voiced high appreciation for the initiative, noting how the VKSA model bridges the information and service gap by delivering technical expertise and government benefits directly to their doorstep.
As the VKSA campaign forges ahead, its momentum in regions like Nandok is helping establish a robust framework for rural development—strengthening livelihoods, promoting sustainable practices, and building resilient farming communities across the state.
Continuing its mission to empower farming communities through grassroots engagement, the Vikshit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA) reached the Kopibari Syari and Nandok Saramsa Gram Panchayat Units under Nandok Block of Gangtok District on the eleventh day of its campaign on June 11, 2025. With more than 215 farmers in attendance—including a strong presence of women and rural youth—the event proved to be another milestone in the campaign’s commitment to inclusive agricultural development in Sikkim.
The program was organized by ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), East Sikkim, Ranipool, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS), and the Department of Fisheries, Government of Sikkim. The convergence of these agencies under the VKSA platform ensured that farmers received not only knowledge but also access to essential government services in one comprehensive setting.
The program was dignified by the presence of Mrs. Bishnu Maya Chettri, Panchayat President of Kopibari Syari; Mrs. Dhan Maya Rai, Zilla Panchayat Member; and Mr. Dinesh Kumar Chhetri, Panchayat President of Nandok Saramsa GPU. Local panchayat members commended the integrated approach taken under the VKSA and encouraged farmers to take advantage of the schemes and services offered during the program.
A strong team of technical experts was on hand to guide the sessions. This included Dr. Akanksha, SMS (Animal Science), and Dr. Smruti Ranjan Padhan, SMS (Agronomy) from ICAR-KVK East Sikkim, along with Dr. S.K. Sathpathy, Professor, CAEPHT. Together, they delivered region-specific technical advice tailored to the local terrain, crops, and livestock practices.
The program’s impact was further enriched by the participation of Mr. Bharat Sharma, Deputy Director of Agriculture and District Coordinator of VKSA; Mr. Sonam Wangdi Lepcha, Horticulture Development Officer; Dr. Nikhil Rai, Veterinary Officer, AH&VS; and Ms. Sonam Tshering, Block Officer from the Department of Fisheries along with field functionaries of the line departments. These officials highlighted ongoing departmental schemes, subsidies, and services that farmers can avail of, with special emphasis on accessibility for small and marginal farmers.
The day's sessions included practical discussions on integrated farming systems, organic and climate-resilient cultivation, livestock disease prevention, and scientific aquaculture methods. Notably, the event facilitated on-the-spot registration for schemes such as PM-KISAN, PMFBY, Kisan Credit Card (KCC), and Soil Health Card, making the campaign a functional gateway for immediate scheme access.
Sakchyam Nari SHG of Nandok, along with several other Self Help Groups, actively participated in the event by showcasing and displaying their locally produced organic products.
Participants voiced high appreciation for the initiative, noting how the VKSA model bridges the information and service gap by delivering technical expertise and government benefits directly to their doorstep.
As the VKSA campaign forges ahead, its momentum in regions like Nandok is helping establish a robust framework for rural development—strengthening livelihoods, promoting sustainable practices, and building resilient farming communities across the state.