Press Release
Press Release from the Agriculture Department
Information & Public Relations Department
Inauguration of Sikkim Organic Urban Farming Programme
The Sikkim Organic Urban Farming Programme was inaugurated on March 14, 2026 at Krishi Bhawan, Tadong, under the initiative of the Horticulture and Agriculture Departments, Government of Sikkim, with the main objective of promoting urban farming in the state.
The programme was graced by the Hon’ble Minister for Horticulture, Shri Puran Kumar Gurung, as the Chief Guest. Also present on the occasion were Hon’ble MLA Shri Tenzing Norbu Lamtha, Hon’ble MLA Shri Dilli Namgyal Barfungpa, Chief Secretary Shri R. Telang, IFFCO Chairman Shri R.K. Basnet, Deputy Mayor Smt. Tshering Palden Bhutia, along with Hon’ble Chairpersons and Advisors of the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments, Secretaries of various departments, Members of the Farmers Welfare Board, officials, and farmers.
The welcome address was delivered by Principal Director, Horticulture Department, Shri Bhim Lal Dahal.
During the programme, Secretary, Horticulture Department, Shri Tshering Thendup Bhutia, highlighted the significance of urban farming and shared future plans and initiatives aimed at promoting urban agriculture in the state.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Agriculture & Horticulture Departments, Shri Jigmee Dorjee Bhutia, also addressed the gathering and emphasised the importance of promoting organic cultivation practices in urban areas to strengthen household-level food production and sustainable living.
Officials of the department informed that under the initiative, saplings and plants will be provided to urban residents interested in taking up cultivation, encouraging practices such as terrace farming, kitchen gardening, window gardening, and rooftop cultivation.
In his address, Hon’ble Minister Shri Puran Kumar Gurung appreciated the efforts of the departmental officers and staff in initiating the programme, stating that Sikkim has undertaken this initiative for the first time to promote urban organic farming. He also highlighted the vision of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, emphasising that “health is the greatest wealth” and encouraging citizens to adopt healthy lifestyles through organic food production.
The Minister further encouraged urban households to utilize available spaces such as rooftops and balconies for kitchen gardening, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices and strengthening household-level food security.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Secretary, Agriculture Department, Dr. S. Anbalagan.
The Sikkim Organic Urban Farming Programme is expected to play an important role in extending the state’s organic mission into urban areas while encouraging greater public participation in organic and sustainable farming practices.
The Sikkim Organic Urban Farming Programme was inaugurated on March 14, 2026 at Krishi Bhawan, Tadong, under the initiative of the Horticulture and Agriculture Departments, Government of Sikkim, with the main objective of promoting urban farming in the state.
The programme was graced by the Hon’ble Minister for Horticulture, Shri Puran Kumar Gurung, as the Chief Guest. Also present on the occasion were Hon’ble MLA Shri Tenzing Norbu Lamtha, Hon’ble MLA Shri Dilli Namgyal Barfungpa, Chief Secretary Shri R. Telang, IFFCO Chairman Shri R.K. Basnet, Deputy Mayor Smt. Tshering Palden Bhutia, along with Hon’ble Chairpersons and Advisors of the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments, Secretaries of various departments, Members of the Farmers Welfare Board, officials, and farmers.
The welcome address was delivered by Principal Director, Horticulture Department, Shri Bhim Lal Dahal.
During the programme, Secretary, Horticulture Department, Shri Tshering Thendup Bhutia, highlighted the significance of urban farming and shared future plans and initiatives aimed at promoting urban agriculture in the state.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Agriculture & Horticulture Departments, Shri Jigmee Dorjee Bhutia, also addressed the gathering and emphasised the importance of promoting organic cultivation practices in urban areas to strengthen household-level food production and sustainable living.
Officials of the department informed that under the initiative, saplings and plants will be provided to urban residents interested in taking up cultivation, encouraging practices such as terrace farming, kitchen gardening, window gardening, and rooftop cultivation.
In his address, Hon’ble Minister Shri Puran Kumar Gurung appreciated the efforts of the departmental officers and staff in initiating the programme, stating that Sikkim has undertaken this initiative for the first time to promote urban organic farming. He also highlighted the vision of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, emphasising that “health is the greatest wealth” and encouraging citizens to adopt healthy lifestyles through organic food production.
The Minister further encouraged urban households to utilize available spaces such as rooftops and balconies for kitchen gardening, thereby promoting sustainable agricultural practices and strengthening household-level food security.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Secretary, Agriculture Department, Dr. S. Anbalagan.
The Sikkim Organic Urban Farming Programme is expected to play an important role in extending the state’s organic mission into urban areas while encouraging greater public participation in organic and sustainable farming practices.
