Press Release
Press Release from Agriculture Department
Information & Public Relations Department
Namchi, 16 March : The District Farmers Advisory Committee Meeting and Coordination Meeting of ATMA Governing Board (GB) was successfully held today at the DAC Conference Hall, Namchi, bringing together officials from various line departments to review activities and discuss ongoing schemes for the benefit of farmers in the district.
The programme began with the felicitation of dignitaries with traditional khadas, bouquets, and gift hampers prepared by Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs), showcasing the efforts and products of local farmer groups.
The gathering was warmly welcomed by Mr. Wangyal Lepcha, Deputy Director, Agriculture Department, who delivered the welcome address and greeted all the dignitaries and participants present at the meeting.
During the technical session, Dr. Nation Chamling, Deputy Project Director, ATMA, delivered a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the previous year’s activities and ongoing ATMA-mandated programmes, providing an overview of the initiatives undertaken for the benefit of farmers.
This was followed by a presentation by Dr. Basant Tamang, SMS, KVK Namchi, who shared information on the various activities and initiatives undertaken by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Namchi, to strengthen agricultural practices and support farmers in the district.
Officials from various line departments also shared information regarding their respective schemes and activities. Mr. Ugen Bhutia, Assistant Director, Fisheries Department, spoke about the ongoing programmes and initiatives in the Fisheries sector. Smt. Purnima Theengh, Deputy Director Horticulture (DDH) shared details of the schemes implemented by the Horticulture Department. Smt. Nirmala Moktan, Additional Director, Agriculture Department, highlighted major agriculture schemes and ATMA-related activities. Dr. Astuti Rai, Additional Director, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, shared information on the ongoing schemes and suggestions from the AH & VS Department.
The meeting was graced by Ms. Anupa Tamling, Chairman ATMA-cum-District Collector, Namchi, who addressed the gathering and highlighted the important role played by Self Help Groups (SHGs) in strengthening the rural economy and empowering farmers at the grassroots level. She emphasised that agri-tourism is emerging as one of the next big opportunities in the agriculture sector, which can help farmers diversify their income while promoting local agricultural products and culture.
She also appreciated the commendable work carried out by ATMA in supporting farmers through various training programmes and capacity-building initiatives. The District Collector further remarked that the agriculture sector is one where farmers and officers work tirelessly yet often silently, contributing immensely to the growth of the state and the nation.
She expressed her happiness and appreciation after hearing the feedback and success stories shared by the farmers during the interaction session, stating that such experiences reflect the real impact of government programmes on the ground. She assured that the issues and challenges raised during the meeting would be taken up with higher authorities and the Government for necessary action and possible solutions.
During the programme, eight Farmer’s Friends were recognised and received an honorarium for their dedicated services in supporting farmers and facilitating agricultural activities at the grassroots level. Additionally, sixteen Self Help Groups (SHGs) of Namchi district were provided support as seed money to strengthen their group-based agricultural and livelihood initiatives.
The programme also featured an interactive discussion session, where farmers and stakeholders actively shared their feedback, suggestions, and experiences, making the discussion highly productive and informative.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Vaishnu Rai, Deputy Director, Yangyang, who expressed her sincere gratitude to the dignitaries, officials, and participants for their valuable presence and contributions towards making the programme a success.
The programme was smoothly conducted by Miss Ongmu Sherpa, Assistant Technology Manager (ATM), Namchi, who served as the Master of Ceremonies (MC) for the event.
The programme began with the felicitation of dignitaries with traditional khadas, bouquets, and gift hampers prepared by Self Help Groups (SHGs) and Farmer Interest Groups (FIGs), showcasing the efforts and products of local farmer groups.
The gathering was warmly welcomed by Mr. Wangyal Lepcha, Deputy Director, Agriculture Department, who delivered the welcome address and greeted all the dignitaries and participants present at the meeting.
During the technical session, Dr. Nation Chamling, Deputy Project Director, ATMA, delivered a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the previous year’s activities and ongoing ATMA-mandated programmes, providing an overview of the initiatives undertaken for the benefit of farmers.
This was followed by a presentation by Dr. Basant Tamang, SMS, KVK Namchi, who shared information on the various activities and initiatives undertaken by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Namchi, to strengthen agricultural practices and support farmers in the district.
Officials from various line departments also shared information regarding their respective schemes and activities. Mr. Ugen Bhutia, Assistant Director, Fisheries Department, spoke about the ongoing programmes and initiatives in the Fisheries sector. Smt. Purnima Theengh, Deputy Director Horticulture (DDH) shared details of the schemes implemented by the Horticulture Department. Smt. Nirmala Moktan, Additional Director, Agriculture Department, highlighted major agriculture schemes and ATMA-related activities. Dr. Astuti Rai, Additional Director, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, shared information on the ongoing schemes and suggestions from the AH & VS Department.
The meeting was graced by Ms. Anupa Tamling, Chairman ATMA-cum-District Collector, Namchi, who addressed the gathering and highlighted the important role played by Self Help Groups (SHGs) in strengthening the rural economy and empowering farmers at the grassroots level. She emphasised that agri-tourism is emerging as one of the next big opportunities in the agriculture sector, which can help farmers diversify their income while promoting local agricultural products and culture.
She also appreciated the commendable work carried out by ATMA in supporting farmers through various training programmes and capacity-building initiatives. The District Collector further remarked that the agriculture sector is one where farmers and officers work tirelessly yet often silently, contributing immensely to the growth of the state and the nation.
She expressed her happiness and appreciation after hearing the feedback and success stories shared by the farmers during the interaction session, stating that such experiences reflect the real impact of government programmes on the ground. She assured that the issues and challenges raised during the meeting would be taken up with higher authorities and the Government for necessary action and possible solutions.
During the programme, eight Farmer’s Friends were recognised and received an honorarium for their dedicated services in supporting farmers and facilitating agricultural activities at the grassroots level. Additionally, sixteen Self Help Groups (SHGs) of Namchi district were provided support as seed money to strengthen their group-based agricultural and livelihood initiatives.
The programme also featured an interactive discussion session, where farmers and stakeholders actively shared their feedback, suggestions, and experiences, making the discussion highly productive and informative.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Vaishnu Rai, Deputy Director, Yangyang, who expressed her sincere gratitude to the dignitaries, officials, and participants for their valuable presence and contributions towards making the programme a success.
The programme was smoothly conducted by Miss Ongmu Sherpa, Assistant Technology Manager (ATM), Namchi, who served as the Master of Ceremonies (MC) for the event.
