Press Release
Press Release From The Department Of Horticulture
Information & Public Relations Department
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) – Area Expansion Programme (Spices)
Organic Turmeric Cluster Development Initiative Launched in Namchi District, Sikkim
6,125 kg of Quality Seed Rhizomes Distributed to 114 Progressive Farmers Across 8 Clusters
Namchi, 23 March : The Department of Horticulture, Government of Sikkim, has launched the Organic Turmeric Cluster Development Programme under the MIDH – Area Expansion Programme, with a clear objective to transform scattered smallholder turmeric cultivation into organised, productive, and market-oriented organic clusters. Sikkim, India’s first fully organic state, continues to build on its strength of premium-quality produce through structured interventions at the grassroots level.
Under this initiative, eight clusters have been identified across Sripatam Gagyong GPU and Yangang Ranrang GPU, based on agro-climatic suitability and farmer readiness. A total of 114 progressive farmers have been selected, reflecting both commitment and potential to scale organic turmeric cultivation in the region.
At Karongthang Farm, approximately 6,125 kilograms of quality turmeric seed rhizomes were distributed to the identified farmers. The cluster-based approach ensures collective strength at every stage from land preparation and cultivation to harvesting and market linkage, enabling improved productivity, uniformity, and traceability.
Turmeric, deeply embedded in Sikkim’s cultural and traditional systems, holds strong potential as a high-value organic crop. Through this programme, contiguous landholdings are being brought under a unified organic production framework, creating the scale and consistency required to access premium domestic and international markets. This is expected to significantly enhance farm incomes and strengthen rural livelihoods.
The programme witnessed active participation from multiple stakeholders, reflecting a strong convergence of government and community efforts. Shri S.B. Rai, OSD, Department of Agriculture, Government of Sikkim, attended the programme, Smt. Krisha Pradha Rai, Panchayat President, Yangang Ranrang GPU, along with Panchayat members from both GPUs, were also present, reinforcing grassroots support.
Officials from the Department of Horticulture, including Dr. Hemant Ghemeray, Deputy Director of Horticulture, Ms. Sudheshna Kharga, HDO, and Ms. Florence Bhutia, ADO, were actively involved on the ground, ensuring effective distribution and farmer guidance.
The Department of Horticulture remains committed to supporting farmers at every stage from soil to shelf, ensuring that the promise of organic farming translates into tangible economic gains.
Organic Turmeric Cluster Development Initiative Launched in Namchi District, Sikkim
6,125 kg of Quality Seed Rhizomes Distributed to 114 Progressive Farmers Across 8 Clusters
Namchi, 23 March : The Department of Horticulture, Government of Sikkim, has launched the Organic Turmeric Cluster Development Programme under the MIDH – Area Expansion Programme, with a clear objective to transform scattered smallholder turmeric cultivation into organised, productive, and market-oriented organic clusters. Sikkim, India’s first fully organic state, continues to build on its strength of premium-quality produce through structured interventions at the grassroots level.
Under this initiative, eight clusters have been identified across Sripatam Gagyong GPU and Yangang Ranrang GPU, based on agro-climatic suitability and farmer readiness. A total of 114 progressive farmers have been selected, reflecting both commitment and potential to scale organic turmeric cultivation in the region.
At Karongthang Farm, approximately 6,125 kilograms of quality turmeric seed rhizomes were distributed to the identified farmers. The cluster-based approach ensures collective strength at every stage from land preparation and cultivation to harvesting and market linkage, enabling improved productivity, uniformity, and traceability.
Turmeric, deeply embedded in Sikkim’s cultural and traditional systems, holds strong potential as a high-value organic crop. Through this programme, contiguous landholdings are being brought under a unified organic production framework, creating the scale and consistency required to access premium domestic and international markets. This is expected to significantly enhance farm incomes and strengthen rural livelihoods.
The programme witnessed active participation from multiple stakeholders, reflecting a strong convergence of government and community efforts. Shri S.B. Rai, OSD, Department of Agriculture, Government of Sikkim, attended the programme, Smt. Krisha Pradha Rai, Panchayat President, Yangang Ranrang GPU, along with Panchayat members from both GPUs, were also present, reinforcing grassroots support.
Officials from the Department of Horticulture, including Dr. Hemant Ghemeray, Deputy Director of Horticulture, Ms. Sudheshna Kharga, HDO, and Ms. Florence Bhutia, ADO, were actively involved on the ground, ensuring effective distribution and farmer guidance.
The Department of Horticulture remains committed to supporting farmers at every stage from soil to shelf, ensuring that the promise of organic farming translates into tangible economic gains.
