Press Release
Press Release from the Horticulture Department
Information & Public Relations Department
Five-Day Master Training Programme for Field Functionaries Inaugurated in Gangtok.
Gangtok, 16th February 2026: The Department of Horticulture, Gangtok District, Government of Sikkim, in technical collaboration with the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, inaugurated a Five-Day Master Training Programme for field functionaries at the Conference Hall of ICAR Sikkim Centre, Tadong.
The programme aims to strengthen the technical capacity and field-level effectiveness of horticulture staff through structured theoretical and practical sessions. Designed as a first-of-its-kind initiative in the district, the training will be conducted in five batches, covering nearly 300 field functionaries.
The inaugural session was graced by Mr. Jigmee Dorjee Bhutia, Commissioner cum Secretary, Agriculture & Horticulture Department, as Chief Guest, and Mr. Tshering Thendup Bhutia, Secretary, Horticulture Department, as Guest of Honour. Special guests included Mr. Bhim Lal Dahal, Principal Director, Horticulture Department; Mr. Passang Tamang, Additional Director, Gangtok District; and Dr. Ashok Kumar, Regional Head, ICAR NEH Region, Tadong, along with other senior officials.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest emphasised the importance of continuous capacity building to enhance professional competence and improve service delivery to farmers. He suggested conducting assessments at the end of each batch to evaluate learning outcomes. The Secretary, Horticulture Department, encouraged participants to actively engage with scientists and make optimal use of the training sessions, stating that strong field-level knowledge directly benefits the farming community.
Principal Director, Horticulture Department, highlighted that Organic Field Assistants serve as the first line of contact with farmers and must remain technically sound to effectively implement departmental programmes. Regional head of ICAR stressed the importance of collaboration between research institutions and field departments to strengthen the horticulture sector.
The training marks a significant step towards enhancing institutional capacity, improving extension services, and ensuring better technical support to farmers across Gangtok District.
Gangtok, 16th February 2026: The Department of Horticulture, Gangtok District, Government of Sikkim, in technical collaboration with the ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, inaugurated a Five-Day Master Training Programme for field functionaries at the Conference Hall of ICAR Sikkim Centre, Tadong.
The programme aims to strengthen the technical capacity and field-level effectiveness of horticulture staff through structured theoretical and practical sessions. Designed as a first-of-its-kind initiative in the district, the training will be conducted in five batches, covering nearly 300 field functionaries.
The inaugural session was graced by Mr. Jigmee Dorjee Bhutia, Commissioner cum Secretary, Agriculture & Horticulture Department, as Chief Guest, and Mr. Tshering Thendup Bhutia, Secretary, Horticulture Department, as Guest of Honour. Special guests included Mr. Bhim Lal Dahal, Principal Director, Horticulture Department; Mr. Passang Tamang, Additional Director, Gangtok District; and Dr. Ashok Kumar, Regional Head, ICAR NEH Region, Tadong, along with other senior officials.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest emphasised the importance of continuous capacity building to enhance professional competence and improve service delivery to farmers. He suggested conducting assessments at the end of each batch to evaluate learning outcomes. The Secretary, Horticulture Department, encouraged participants to actively engage with scientists and make optimal use of the training sessions, stating that strong field-level knowledge directly benefits the farming community.
Principal Director, Horticulture Department, highlighted that Organic Field Assistants serve as the first line of contact with farmers and must remain technically sound to effectively implement departmental programmes. Regional head of ICAR stressed the importance of collaboration between research institutions and field departments to strengthen the horticulture sector.
The training marks a significant step towards enhancing institutional capacity, improving extension services, and ensuring better technical support to farmers across Gangtok District.
