Press Release
PRESS RELEAS FROM AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENTNAMCHI DISTRICT
Information & Public Relations Department
Plantation Drive “Connect to Earth”: Conversion of Fallow/Barren Land to Green Land
Date: 12/09/2025
Venue: Agriculture & Horticulture Farm, Melli Dara
Namchi, 12 September: The Agriculture & Horticulture Department, Namchi, in collaboration with the District Administration, Namchi, successfully organized a three-day plantation drive under the theme “Connect to Earth” with the vision of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri P.S. Golay.
The drive focused on utilizing fallow and barren land for productive agricultural purposes through the high-density plantation of Rangpur lime (Citrus × limonia) over an area of 1 hectare. This initiative aims to establish a Mother Rootstock Orchard to supply quality planting material for future citrus expansion programmes in the state.
A total of 700 Rangpur lime saplings were planted over three days, marking a major step toward sustainable land utilization, citrus propagation, and economic upliftment of farmers in Sikkim.
The programme was held under the guidance of Ms. Anupa Tamling, DC Namchi, Smt. Nirmala Moktan, Additional Director Agriculture, and Shri Dikendra Bhujel, Additional Director Horticulture.
Prominent participants included Dr. Nation Chamling, Deputy Project Director ATMA Namchi, Mr. Wangyal Lepcha, Deputy Director Agriculture Namchi, Mr. Bunty Lama, Agriculture Farm Incharge, Ms. Pritika Rai, Horticulture Farm Incharge, and all Agriculture & Horticulture staff of Melli Dara GPU.
Significance of Lime Plantation in Sikkim
Wildlife Barrier: Lime orchards act as natural barriers, minimizing wildlife intrusion into farmland.
Drought Tolerance: Lime trees are water-efficient and thrive in Sikkim’s diverse terrain.
Market Value: Limes enjoy high and consistent demand in regional and national markets.
Soil Improvement: Lime orchards contribute to soil fertility and sustainable farming.
Land Utilization: Conversion of barren land aligns with Sikkim’s goal of sustainable agriculture and green cover enhancement.
Advantages of Rangpur Lime (Citrus × limonia) as a Rootstock
Tolerance to soil-borne diseases and drought conditions.
Adaptability to marginal soils and hilly terrain.
Promotes vigorous growth and early fruit-bearing.
Increases orchard longevity and is highly compatible with citrus varieties.
This plantation drive showcases the Agriculture Department’s commitment to scientific, sustainable farming practices, maximizing land potential, and building a robust supply of quality citrus rootstock for the future.
Date: 12/09/2025
Venue: Agriculture & Horticulture Farm, Melli Dara
Namchi, 12 September: The Agriculture & Horticulture Department, Namchi, in collaboration with the District Administration, Namchi, successfully organized a three-day plantation drive under the theme “Connect to Earth” with the vision of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri P.S. Golay.
The drive focused on utilizing fallow and barren land for productive agricultural purposes through the high-density plantation of Rangpur lime (Citrus × limonia) over an area of 1 hectare. This initiative aims to establish a Mother Rootstock Orchard to supply quality planting material for future citrus expansion programmes in the state.
A total of 700 Rangpur lime saplings were planted over three days, marking a major step toward sustainable land utilization, citrus propagation, and economic upliftment of farmers in Sikkim.
The programme was held under the guidance of Ms. Anupa Tamling, DC Namchi, Smt. Nirmala Moktan, Additional Director Agriculture, and Shri Dikendra Bhujel, Additional Director Horticulture.
Prominent participants included Dr. Nation Chamling, Deputy Project Director ATMA Namchi, Mr. Wangyal Lepcha, Deputy Director Agriculture Namchi, Mr. Bunty Lama, Agriculture Farm Incharge, Ms. Pritika Rai, Horticulture Farm Incharge, and all Agriculture & Horticulture staff of Melli Dara GPU.
Significance of Lime Plantation in Sikkim
Wildlife Barrier: Lime orchards act as natural barriers, minimizing wildlife intrusion into farmland.
Drought Tolerance: Lime trees are water-efficient and thrive in Sikkim’s diverse terrain.
Market Value: Limes enjoy high and consistent demand in regional and national markets.
Soil Improvement: Lime orchards contribute to soil fertility and sustainable farming.
Land Utilization: Conversion of barren land aligns with Sikkim’s goal of sustainable agriculture and green cover enhancement.
Advantages of Rangpur Lime (Citrus × limonia) as a Rootstock
Tolerance to soil-borne diseases and drought conditions.
Adaptability to marginal soils and hilly terrain.
Promotes vigorous growth and early fruit-bearing.
Increases orchard longevity and is highly compatible with citrus varieties.
This plantation drive showcases the Agriculture Department’s commitment to scientific, sustainable farming practices, maximizing land potential, and building a robust supply of quality citrus rootstock for the future.