Press Release
PRESS RELEASE FROM AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT, NAMCHI DISTRICT
Information & Public Relations Department
Awareness & Distribution Programme under PMKSY-PDMC Held at Denchung Cluster (2024–25)
Denchung, Namchi District | 4th July 2025
The Agriculture Department, Namchi District, Government of Sikkim, organized an Awareness & Distribution Programme under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana – Per Drop More Crop (PMKSY-PDMC) at the Denchung Cluster (2024–25), Namchi District. The programme was graced by Chief Guest, Shri Bhoj Raj Rai, Hon’ble Minister for Urban Development and Food & Civil Supplies Department, Government of Sikkim.
The programme began with a welcome address by Smt. Nirmala Moktan, Additional Director, Agriculture Department, Namchi District, who emphasized the importance of adopting water-efficient irrigation technologies and applauded the farmers for their participation.
Mr. Wangyal Lepcha, Deputy Director, Agriculture Department, spoke on the scheme’s guidelines, components, and the suitability of crops for sprinkler and drip irrigation systems. He also gave awareness on various departmental interventions, including:
PM-KISAN
Soil Health Cards
SMAM machinery support
Greenhouse plastic distribution
Mr. Sankalp Pradhan, Junior Engineer, Agriculture Department, provided a technical overview of the irrigation systems, covering layout, operation, and maintenance.
Mr. Jagdish Prakash Pradhan, Director (RKVY), Agriculture Department, delivered a detailed and motivating address. He stressed the critical role of soil health, noting that Sikkim’s soil is naturally acidic, which reduces crop productivity. To address this, he informed that the department is working on soil reclamation through the application of agricultural lime, and is providing continuous support to farmers in this regard.
He also emphasized the importance of fertilizer tanks, which are being distributed alongside sprinkler units, to enable efficient nutrient management through fertigation.
A major focus of his address was on farmer registration under AgriStack — a national-level digital initiative. He urged farmers to take this seriously, as future access to government schemes and benefits will be streamlined and ensured through AgriStack registration.
Mr. Pradhan also highlighted the valuable suggestions made by the Hon’ble Minister, which include promoting the cultivation of lemon, drumstick, dragon fruit, and expanding into beekeeping and orchid farming. These crops, he pointed out, are not only in high demand in the market but are also generally avoided by wild animals, making them suitable for such vulnerable zones.
He emphasized, “The Government and the Agriculture Department are doing everything in their capacity to support the farming community — from inputs and infrastructure to training and technology. Now, it is up to our farmers to take ownership, use these resources sincerely, and give back with results. If productivity improves and farmers respond positively, this will be a shared success — not just for individuals, but for the future of agriculture in Sikkim.”
Address by Hon’ble Minister Shri Bhoj Raj Rai
In his keynote speech, Hon’ble Minister Shri Bhoj Raj Rai expressed his deep appreciation for the efforts of the Agriculture Department in reaching the grassroots with such impactful schemes. He thanked the department for ensuring timely support to farmers, and acknowledged the significance of initiatives like PMKSY-PDMC in uplifting the rural agricultural economy.
He urged Panchayat members to take ownership and actively monitor the assets being distributed — such as irrigation systems, tanks, and other inputs — and ensure that they are used responsibly by the farmers. The Hon’ble Minister assured that he would personally track the success of these interventions on the ground, emphasizing the need for results and community accountability.
Recognizing the serious issue of crop damage due to wildlife, which is a major challenge in many farming areas of Sikkim, the Hon’ble Minister suggested that farmers explore cultivating crops like lemon, drumstick, and dragon fruit. These crops, he pointed out, are not only in high demand in the market but are also generally avoided by wild animals, making them suitable for such vulnerable zones.
He added that the government is ready to support such entrepreneurial and cluster-based initiatives, and that farmers should proactively come forward with proposals and take full advantage of departmental schemes.
While appreciating the various supports being extended to farmers, he reminded the gathering that true transformation depends on how well these resources are utilized at the ground level. “We are giving everything possible — now it’s your turn to make it successful,” he said. “Only then can your standard of living rise, and Sikkim agriculture truly shine.”
Looking ahead, the Hon’ble Minister addressed the youth and farming communities, stressing that government jobs are becoming increasingly saturated. He encouraged people to embrace entrepreneurship and take pride in developing Sikkim’s land through agriculture and allied ventures. He said, “We must stop relying only on government jobs. The real future lies in building something of our own — in our own land — and creating opportunities for others.”
He closed his remarks by encouraging a sense of ownership, unity, and innovation, calling on farmers and officials alike to work hand-in-hand toward a self-reliant, productive, and proud Sikkim.
It maybe mentioned here that 171 micro irrigation units were distributed in the event.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Nimkit Lepcha, Panchayat President of Denchung, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble Minister, dignitaries, farmers, and department officials for making the programme a great success.
The programme was conducted by Shri Arbin Majhi, ADO, Jorethang, who ensured smooth coordination of the day’s proceedings.
Denchung, Namchi District | 4th July 2025
The Agriculture Department, Namchi District, Government of Sikkim, organized an Awareness & Distribution Programme under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana – Per Drop More Crop (PMKSY-PDMC) at the Denchung Cluster (2024–25), Namchi District. The programme was graced by Chief Guest, Shri Bhoj Raj Rai, Hon’ble Minister for Urban Development and Food & Civil Supplies Department, Government of Sikkim.
The programme began with a welcome address by Smt. Nirmala Moktan, Additional Director, Agriculture Department, Namchi District, who emphasized the importance of adopting water-efficient irrigation technologies and applauded the farmers for their participation.
Mr. Wangyal Lepcha, Deputy Director, Agriculture Department, spoke on the scheme’s guidelines, components, and the suitability of crops for sprinkler and drip irrigation systems. He also gave awareness on various departmental interventions, including:
PM-KISAN
Soil Health Cards
SMAM machinery support
Greenhouse plastic distribution
Mr. Sankalp Pradhan, Junior Engineer, Agriculture Department, provided a technical overview of the irrigation systems, covering layout, operation, and maintenance.
Mr. Jagdish Prakash Pradhan, Director (RKVY), Agriculture Department, delivered a detailed and motivating address. He stressed the critical role of soil health, noting that Sikkim’s soil is naturally acidic, which reduces crop productivity. To address this, he informed that the department is working on soil reclamation through the application of agricultural lime, and is providing continuous support to farmers in this regard.
He also emphasized the importance of fertilizer tanks, which are being distributed alongside sprinkler units, to enable efficient nutrient management through fertigation.
A major focus of his address was on farmer registration under AgriStack — a national-level digital initiative. He urged farmers to take this seriously, as future access to government schemes and benefits will be streamlined and ensured through AgriStack registration.
Mr. Pradhan also highlighted the valuable suggestions made by the Hon’ble Minister, which include promoting the cultivation of lemon, drumstick, dragon fruit, and expanding into beekeeping and orchid farming. These crops, he pointed out, are not only in high demand in the market but are also generally avoided by wild animals, making them suitable for such vulnerable zones.
He emphasized, “The Government and the Agriculture Department are doing everything in their capacity to support the farming community — from inputs and infrastructure to training and technology. Now, it is up to our farmers to take ownership, use these resources sincerely, and give back with results. If productivity improves and farmers respond positively, this will be a shared success — not just for individuals, but for the future of agriculture in Sikkim.”
Address by Hon’ble Minister Shri Bhoj Raj Rai
In his keynote speech, Hon’ble Minister Shri Bhoj Raj Rai expressed his deep appreciation for the efforts of the Agriculture Department in reaching the grassroots with such impactful schemes. He thanked the department for ensuring timely support to farmers, and acknowledged the significance of initiatives like PMKSY-PDMC in uplifting the rural agricultural economy.
He urged Panchayat members to take ownership and actively monitor the assets being distributed — such as irrigation systems, tanks, and other inputs — and ensure that they are used responsibly by the farmers. The Hon’ble Minister assured that he would personally track the success of these interventions on the ground, emphasizing the need for results and community accountability.
Recognizing the serious issue of crop damage due to wildlife, which is a major challenge in many farming areas of Sikkim, the Hon’ble Minister suggested that farmers explore cultivating crops like lemon, drumstick, and dragon fruit. These crops, he pointed out, are not only in high demand in the market but are also generally avoided by wild animals, making them suitable for such vulnerable zones.
He added that the government is ready to support such entrepreneurial and cluster-based initiatives, and that farmers should proactively come forward with proposals and take full advantage of departmental schemes.
While appreciating the various supports being extended to farmers, he reminded the gathering that true transformation depends on how well these resources are utilized at the ground level. “We are giving everything possible — now it’s your turn to make it successful,” he said. “Only then can your standard of living rise, and Sikkim agriculture truly shine.”
Looking ahead, the Hon’ble Minister addressed the youth and farming communities, stressing that government jobs are becoming increasingly saturated. He encouraged people to embrace entrepreneurship and take pride in developing Sikkim’s land through agriculture and allied ventures. He said, “We must stop relying only on government jobs. The real future lies in building something of our own — in our own land — and creating opportunities for others.”
He closed his remarks by encouraging a sense of ownership, unity, and innovation, calling on farmers and officials alike to work hand-in-hand toward a self-reliant, productive, and proud Sikkim.
It maybe mentioned here that 171 micro irrigation units were distributed in the event.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Nimkit Lepcha, Panchayat President of Denchung, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble Minister, dignitaries, farmers, and department officials for making the programme a great success.
The programme was conducted by Shri Arbin Majhi, ADO, Jorethang, who ensured smooth coordination of the day’s proceedings.