Press Release
Press Release from Horticulture Department, Mangan
Information & Public Relations Department
Mangan, Aug 28:
The Organic Valley Farmer's Producer Organization (FPO) successfully organized a two-day training program, 'Enhancing Farmers' Livelihoods through Climate-Smart Crop Management,' on August 27-28, 2025, at the Training Cum Knowledge Sharing Centre in Sudur, Hee-Gyathang GPU, Dzongu, Mangan District.
The program was supported by the Central Institute of Horticulture, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
The program aimed to address the challenges faced by farmers and FPOs in the region, focusing on sustainable agriculture practices, value addition, and market access.
The training effectively imparted awareness and understanding of nursery management, post-harvest practices, and market dynamics to all participants, courtesy of the resource persons.
Mr. Samroo Ugen Palzor, informed about the activities and future plans of the FPO, followed by Miss Marmit Lepcha, CEO of the FPO, highlighted the challenges faced by farmers and FPOs, including communication gaps, manpower shortages, networking issues, limited market understanding, and price volatility. To address these challenges, the FPO proposed a value addition training and nursery management program. Additionally, a small activity-based questionnaire on farming practices and challenges faced by farmers was conducted to gather valuable insights from the participants.
Mr. Renzino Lepcha, Chief Operating Officer of Mevedir, delivered a comprehensive presentation on organic and agriculture-related initiatives, highlighting the importance of timely planning and informed decision-making for farmers to remain competitive in the market.
Mr. Ugen Palzor Lepcha, President of Mutanchi Lom Aal Shezum (MLAS), an NGO based in Dzongu, highlighted the importance of scheme convergence, enlightening farmers about the potential benefits of collaborating with various departments to support farmers and local businesses.
Mr. Adarsh Rai, HDO cum ADO, discussed two underutilized crops, jackfruit and cassava, which can generate significant income given the current climate conditions. He highlighted Dzongu's potential for cultivating these crops to enhance farmers' income through value addition and encouraged intercropping to maximize benefits.
Dr. Puvichonu Rhutso, Additional Director of the Spices Board, Mangan Divisional Office, emphasized the importance of preparing healthy and quality nurseries for large cardamom farming. She highlighted how good post-harvest practices can significantly enhance income and also discussed the various schemes offered by the Spices Board.
The second session, conducted by the Agriculture Department, Mangan District, featured a 'Farmer-Scientist Interaction' where farmers shared their field-level challenges and received valuable insights and knowledge from scientists and agricultural experts. In the closing session, farmers shared their feedback and expressed interest in receiving floriculture training, highlighting the potential for further skill development and knowledge enhancement in this area.
The two-day training was attended by esteemed guests Mrs. Ongkit Lepcha, Chairperson of the Horticulture Department, Government of Sikkim, Miss Nima Lhamu Lepcha, Panchayat President, Hee-Gyathang GPU Mr. Ugen Palzor Lepcha, President of Mutanchi Lom Aal Shezum (MLAS), Mr. Renzino Lepcha, Chief Operating Officer of Mevedir, Mr. Padam B Gurung, Deputy Director of the Agriculture Department, Mr. Adarsh Rai, HDO cum ADO, Mangan District and Dr. Puvichonu Rhutso, Additional Director of the Spices Board, Mangan Divisional Office, Miss Thendal Zangmu Lepcha ADO, BO from Fisheries Department, Soil Scientist from KVK, Mangan. A total of 130 participants from various backgrounds attended the training, including FPO farmers, nursery operators, Self-Help Group (SHG) members, Farmers Interest Group (FIG) members, Field Assistants (FA) in Horticulture, Marketing Assistants (MA), agricultural extension workers, and farmers specializing in large cardamom, cherry pepper, floriculture, and Sikkim mandarin.
The Organic Valley Farmer's Producer Organization (FPO) successfully organized a two-day training program, 'Enhancing Farmers' Livelihoods through Climate-Smart Crop Management,' on August 27-28, 2025, at the Training Cum Knowledge Sharing Centre in Sudur, Hee-Gyathang GPU, Dzongu, Mangan District.
The program was supported by the Central Institute of Horticulture, Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India.
The program aimed to address the challenges faced by farmers and FPOs in the region, focusing on sustainable agriculture practices, value addition, and market access.
The training effectively imparted awareness and understanding of nursery management, post-harvest practices, and market dynamics to all participants, courtesy of the resource persons.
Mr. Samroo Ugen Palzor, informed about the activities and future plans of the FPO, followed by Miss Marmit Lepcha, CEO of the FPO, highlighted the challenges faced by farmers and FPOs, including communication gaps, manpower shortages, networking issues, limited market understanding, and price volatility. To address these challenges, the FPO proposed a value addition training and nursery management program. Additionally, a small activity-based questionnaire on farming practices and challenges faced by farmers was conducted to gather valuable insights from the participants.
Mr. Renzino Lepcha, Chief Operating Officer of Mevedir, delivered a comprehensive presentation on organic and agriculture-related initiatives, highlighting the importance of timely planning and informed decision-making for farmers to remain competitive in the market.
Mr. Ugen Palzor Lepcha, President of Mutanchi Lom Aal Shezum (MLAS), an NGO based in Dzongu, highlighted the importance of scheme convergence, enlightening farmers about the potential benefits of collaborating with various departments to support farmers and local businesses.
Mr. Adarsh Rai, HDO cum ADO, discussed two underutilized crops, jackfruit and cassava, which can generate significant income given the current climate conditions. He highlighted Dzongu's potential for cultivating these crops to enhance farmers' income through value addition and encouraged intercropping to maximize benefits.
Dr. Puvichonu Rhutso, Additional Director of the Spices Board, Mangan Divisional Office, emphasized the importance of preparing healthy and quality nurseries for large cardamom farming. She highlighted how good post-harvest practices can significantly enhance income and also discussed the various schemes offered by the Spices Board.
The second session, conducted by the Agriculture Department, Mangan District, featured a 'Farmer-Scientist Interaction' where farmers shared their field-level challenges and received valuable insights and knowledge from scientists and agricultural experts. In the closing session, farmers shared their feedback and expressed interest in receiving floriculture training, highlighting the potential for further skill development and knowledge enhancement in this area.
The two-day training was attended by esteemed guests Mrs. Ongkit Lepcha, Chairperson of the Horticulture Department, Government of Sikkim, Miss Nima Lhamu Lepcha, Panchayat President, Hee-Gyathang GPU Mr. Ugen Palzor Lepcha, President of Mutanchi Lom Aal Shezum (MLAS), Mr. Renzino Lepcha, Chief Operating Officer of Mevedir, Mr. Padam B Gurung, Deputy Director of the Agriculture Department, Mr. Adarsh Rai, HDO cum ADO, Mangan District and Dr. Puvichonu Rhutso, Additional Director of the Spices Board, Mangan Divisional Office, Miss Thendal Zangmu Lepcha ADO, BO from Fisheries Department, Soil Scientist from KVK, Mangan. A total of 130 participants from various backgrounds attended the training, including FPO farmers, nursery operators, Self-Help Group (SHG) members, Farmers Interest Group (FIG) members, Field Assistants (FA) in Horticulture, Marketing Assistants (MA), agricultural extension workers, and farmers specializing in large cardamom, cherry pepper, floriculture, and Sikkim mandarin.