Press Release
Press release from SRLM, Hee Martam,Gyalshing
Information & Public Relations Department
Gyalshing,December 21:In a significant move toward rural empowerment and gender parity, the Sikkim Rural Livelihood Mission (SRLM), in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Horticulture and Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS), organised a day-long Farmers Mela at the Bermiok Bazar premises on December 20.
The event was held under the banner of the National Campaign for Gender Equality, with the central theme focusing on "Women’s Access to Resources." Organised by the Block Management Unit (BMU) of SRLM Hee Martam, the programme aimed to bridge the resource gap for rural women and provide them with the technical knowledge necessary for sustainable livelihoods.
A key highlight of the event was a specialized training session on soil reclamation conducted by the Agriculture Department of the Hee Martam Block. Mr. Bivek Sharma, Block Technology Manager, addressed the gathering, emphasising the critical importance of soil health in organic farming. He further encouraged Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to focus on value addition for their products to command better market prices and briefed the attendees on various department-sponsored schemes.
The bazaar premises were transformed into a vibrant marketplace where various SHGs from different villages under the Hee Martam Block set up stalls. The groups showcased a wide array of organic produce, ranging from fresh mountain vegetables to intricate decorative items, proving the success of local entrepreneurship, leadership and Vision.
The programme commenced with the traditional welcoming of guests with khadas. Mr Bal Kumar Chettri, Assistant Project Manager (SRLM), delivered the welcome address and outlined the structure of the initiative, while the event was hosted by Mr KN Sharma, MIS (SRLM).
The event was graced by Mr Yam Prasad Mishra, Chairman of the Milk Union, Government of Sikkim, as the Chief Guest. In his keynote address, Mr. Mishra lauded the resilience of rural women and stressed that empowerment comes through active participation in farming and commerce.
"We should not only gather for events," Mr. Mishra stated. "Our SHGs must come forward and utilize every local 'bazar hat' (weekly market) to sell organic items and establish a consistent economic presence."
Other notable dignitaries included:
Mr. San Bir Subba, OSD to the Fisheries Department
Ms. Indra Kala Chettri, OSD to Panchayati Raj
Mr. Kailash Gurung, BDO, Hee Martam
Mr. Khusendra Gurung, Zilla Panchayat (Bermiok Berthang)
Representatives from the Animal Husbandry, Agriculture, and Horticulture departments.
The mela concluded on a practical note with the distribution of essential agricultural tools. To support the SHGs in their daily farming activities, the Agriculture Department distributed tetra bags, polypipes, and spray machines to several group members.
By focusing on the intersection of gender equality and agricultural resource management, the event served as a vital platform for the women of Hee Martam to step into the forefront of Sikkim’s organic mission.
The event was held under the banner of the National Campaign for Gender Equality, with the central theme focusing on "Women’s Access to Resources." Organised by the Block Management Unit (BMU) of SRLM Hee Martam, the programme aimed to bridge the resource gap for rural women and provide them with the technical knowledge necessary for sustainable livelihoods.
A key highlight of the event was a specialized training session on soil reclamation conducted by the Agriculture Department of the Hee Martam Block. Mr. Bivek Sharma, Block Technology Manager, addressed the gathering, emphasising the critical importance of soil health in organic farming. He further encouraged Self-Help Groups (SHGs) to focus on value addition for their products to command better market prices and briefed the attendees on various department-sponsored schemes.
The bazaar premises were transformed into a vibrant marketplace where various SHGs from different villages under the Hee Martam Block set up stalls. The groups showcased a wide array of organic produce, ranging from fresh mountain vegetables to intricate decorative items, proving the success of local entrepreneurship, leadership and Vision.
The programme commenced with the traditional welcoming of guests with khadas. Mr Bal Kumar Chettri, Assistant Project Manager (SRLM), delivered the welcome address and outlined the structure of the initiative, while the event was hosted by Mr KN Sharma, MIS (SRLM).
The event was graced by Mr Yam Prasad Mishra, Chairman of the Milk Union, Government of Sikkim, as the Chief Guest. In his keynote address, Mr. Mishra lauded the resilience of rural women and stressed that empowerment comes through active participation in farming and commerce.
"We should not only gather for events," Mr. Mishra stated. "Our SHGs must come forward and utilize every local 'bazar hat' (weekly market) to sell organic items and establish a consistent economic presence."
Other notable dignitaries included:
Mr. San Bir Subba, OSD to the Fisheries Department
Ms. Indra Kala Chettri, OSD to Panchayati Raj
Mr. Kailash Gurung, BDO, Hee Martam
Mr. Khusendra Gurung, Zilla Panchayat (Bermiok Berthang)
Representatives from the Animal Husbandry, Agriculture, and Horticulture departments.
The mela concluded on a practical note with the distribution of essential agricultural tools. To support the SHGs in their daily farming activities, the Agriculture Department distributed tetra bags, polypipes, and spray machines to several group members.
By focusing on the intersection of gender equality and agricultural resource management, the event served as a vital platform for the women of Hee Martam to step into the forefront of Sikkim’s organic mission.
