Farmers’ Training Programme Conducted under National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds at Namchi
Namchi, June 19, 2025:
A Farmers’ Training Programme for Value Chain Partners was successfully organized at the DAC Conference Hall, Namchi. The programme was conducted under the National Mission on Edible Oils–Oilseeds in collaboration with Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) under the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER).
The training benefitted Sadam Suntaley OPCS Ltd, with participation from progressive farmers and stakeholders involved in organic oilseed cultivation and value chain development.
The programme was jointly organised by the Agriculture Department, Namchi District, in collaboration with ATMA (Agricultural Technology Management Agency) as the Technical Support Agency.
The Chief Guest of the event was Mr. Bir Bdr Poudyal, President of the FPO, who was warmly felicitated with a traditional khada.The event commenced with a welcome address by Mr. Wangyal Lepcha, Deputy Director of Agriculture, who emphasized the importance of sustainable agriculture, organic inputs, and efficient value chain linkages in oilseed production. He also stressed the need to keep farmers updated with new technologies and scientific advancements to enhance productivity and resilience in the agriculture sector.
The key technical sessions included:
1. Organic Seed Production of Soybean
– Dr. Nation Chamling (Dy. Project Director, ATMA Namchi)
2. Soil Health and Nutrient Management for Sustainable Soybean Cultivation
– Mr. Wangyal Lepcha (Dy. Director, Agriculture)
3. Integrated Pest Management in Soybean
– Mr. Yona Pradhan (Agriculture Inspector)
4. Disease Management in Soybean: Identification and Integrated Control Strategies
– Miss Pratima Rai (Agriculture Inspector, Sumbuk)
5. FPOs as Key Drivers of Organic Agriculture in the North East
– Mr. Rajeev Kumar Pradhan (Agriculture Development Officer, Sumbuk)
The vote of thanks was delivered by Miss. Nikam Tamang (Agriculture Development Officer, Namchi), who expressed gratitude to all speakers, participants, and the organising team. She also extended special gratitude to Dr. Pratap Subba, Additional Director (Field Crops), Head Office, for his continued guidance and unwavering support, which has been instrumental in steering such meaningful and farmer-centric initiatives in the district.
The programme was effectively anchored by Miss Ongmu Sherpa, ATM Namchi.
This training initiative highlights the Government’s continued commitment to empowering farmers, promoting organic oilseed cultivation, and strengthening FPO-led value chains for sustainable agriculture in Sikkim.