Press Release
Press Release from Agriculture Department, Pakyong District
Information & Public Relations Department
Khet Bachao Abhiyan Conducted at Duga BAC for Budang Kamerey & Central Pendam GPU.
Pakyong, June 18: The Khet Bachao Abhiyan programme for Budang Kamerey and Central Pendam GPU was organized at Duga BAC by the Agriculture & Horticulture Department in coordination with ATMA, KVK and CAEPHT. The programme brought together officials from the Agriculture Department, research institutions, the banking sector, and farmer representatives with a focus on soil conservation, sustainable agricultural practices, government schemes, and strengthening farmers’ livelihoods.
The programme was graced by the presence of Shri Durga Bir Pradhan, Hon’ble Panchayat, as the Chief Guest and Shri Narayan Rai, Progressive Farmer, as the Guest of Honour. Both dignitaries addressed the gathering and encouraged farmers to continue adopting progressive farming practices, effectively utilize government initiatives, and work collectively towards improving agricultural productivity and sustainability in the region.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Shri Sangita Basnett, Deputy Director, Agriculture Department, who delivered a brief overview of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan. She appealed to farmers to adopt cluster-based farming and maintain consistency in their agricultural practices. Highlighting the importance of soil and soil health, she emphasized the need for farmers to preserve soil fertility for long-term productivity. She also informed participants about various departmental schemes, including PM-KISAN and PMDC. She encouraged farmers to make effective use of departmental inputs and adopt high-value crops such as Soybean and Millet. Additionally, she invited all farmers to participate in the upcoming release programme of the 23rd PM-KISAN instalment scheduled for 20th June 2026.
Shri Tashi Bhutia, President, Budang Kamerey FPO and Associate Manager, Sikkim IFFCO Organic Limited, stated that the FPO comprises farmers from West Pendam, Central Pendam, and Budang Kamerey and functions under departmental guidelines. He informed the gathering about the distribution of agricultural inputs, including soybean, niger, sesame, and sunflower for large-scale cultivation. To encourage productivity, he announced an incentive of Rs. 2,000 for the staff member whose ward records the highest production. He also urged farmers to make use of Sikkim IFFCO Organic Limited and provide products such as Large Cardamom, Turmeric, Ginger, and Buckwheat to the SIOL processing plant.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Narale Pradip Digambar, Assistant Professor, CAEPHT, CAU, highlighted that the primary objective of Khet Bachao Abhiyan is to preserve soil fertility and maintain soil health. He spoke about the importance of biochar, explaining that it can help neutralise the acidic soil conditions of Sikkim. He informed farmers that biochar can be prepared using crop residues, enrich soil carbon content, improve productivity, and can be applied at approximately 100 kg per acre. He further encouraged farmers to establish small-scale biogas plants and utilise them as biofertilizer units.
Dr Boniface Lepcha, SMS, KVK ICAR, emphasised that the Khet Bachao Abhiyan forms part of the broader vision of a developed India by 2047. He discussed area expansion strategies and stressed that farmers should focus not only on self-consumption but also on producing marketable surplus. He encouraged farmers to select one or two crops with strong market potential.
He also advised farmers cultivating cherry pepper to use plastic mulch of not more than 25 mm thickness and adopt biomulching techniques. Regarding crop health concerns during hot and dry spells, he cautioned that anthracnose disease could become problematic and recommended weekly alternate application of trichoderma and copper oxychloride (COC). He also suggested using low tunnels and shelters for rainy-season cultivation.
Representing the banking sector, Shri Gopal Lama, Assistant Bank Manager, SBI, stressed the importance of linking Aadhaar cards with bank accounts, explaining that while individuals may possess multiple accounts, Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) are processed only through Aadhaar-linked accounts. He advised farmers not to frequently change the mobile numbers linked with Aadhaar and bank accounts. He further informed participants about insurance schemes offering accidental death coverage of up to Rs. 2 lakh at Rs. 20 per year, and another scheme providing coverage up to Rs. 2 lakh at Rs. 436 per year.
Ms Passang Sherpa, Lead Bank Manager, CBI, encouraged farmers to benefit from agricultural loans under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, mentioning that loans up to Rs. 2 lakh require only a photocopy of land documents (parcha) and can be sanctioned for a period of five years.
The programme was also addressed by Shri J. N. Sharma, Joint Director, Horticulture Department, who shared his experiences from the field and reiterated that Khet Bachao Abhiyan aims to conserve agricultural soil. He informed farmers about upcoming departmental initiatives where produce would be marketed through FPOs using eco-friendly packaging containing assorted organic products. He also highlighted the distribution of inputs under the MIDH programme, including seedlings such as banana, guava, papaya, avocado, and kiwi. Addressing concerns regarding wildlife-related crop damage, he advised farmers to submit joint applications through the Panchayat to the Chief Wildlife Warden. He also encouraged young farmers to instill a connection with agriculture and soil among future generations.
The programme proceedings were conducted by Shri Birman Rai, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Yashaswi Thapa, Krishi Sevika, who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, officials, and farmers for their active participation and contribution towards the success of the programme.
The event concluded with a collective commitment towards sustainable farming, soil conservation, and strengthening agricultural productivity through collaborative efforts.
Pakyong, June 18: The Khet Bachao Abhiyan programme for Budang Kamerey and Central Pendam GPU was organized at Duga BAC by the Agriculture & Horticulture Department in coordination with ATMA, KVK and CAEPHT. The programme brought together officials from the Agriculture Department, research institutions, the banking sector, and farmer representatives with a focus on soil conservation, sustainable agricultural practices, government schemes, and strengthening farmers’ livelihoods.
The programme was graced by the presence of Shri Durga Bir Pradhan, Hon’ble Panchayat, as the Chief Guest and Shri Narayan Rai, Progressive Farmer, as the Guest of Honour. Both dignitaries addressed the gathering and encouraged farmers to continue adopting progressive farming practices, effectively utilize government initiatives, and work collectively towards improving agricultural productivity and sustainability in the region.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Shri Sangita Basnett, Deputy Director, Agriculture Department, who delivered a brief overview of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan. She appealed to farmers to adopt cluster-based farming and maintain consistency in their agricultural practices. Highlighting the importance of soil and soil health, she emphasized the need for farmers to preserve soil fertility for long-term productivity. She also informed participants about various departmental schemes, including PM-KISAN and PMDC. She encouraged farmers to make effective use of departmental inputs and adopt high-value crops such as Soybean and Millet. Additionally, she invited all farmers to participate in the upcoming release programme of the 23rd PM-KISAN instalment scheduled for 20th June 2026.
Shri Tashi Bhutia, President, Budang Kamerey FPO and Associate Manager, Sikkim IFFCO Organic Limited, stated that the FPO comprises farmers from West Pendam, Central Pendam, and Budang Kamerey and functions under departmental guidelines. He informed the gathering about the distribution of agricultural inputs, including soybean, niger, sesame, and sunflower for large-scale cultivation. To encourage productivity, he announced an incentive of Rs. 2,000 for the staff member whose ward records the highest production. He also urged farmers to make use of Sikkim IFFCO Organic Limited and provide products such as Large Cardamom, Turmeric, Ginger, and Buckwheat to the SIOL processing plant.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Narale Pradip Digambar, Assistant Professor, CAEPHT, CAU, highlighted that the primary objective of Khet Bachao Abhiyan is to preserve soil fertility and maintain soil health. He spoke about the importance of biochar, explaining that it can help neutralise the acidic soil conditions of Sikkim. He informed farmers that biochar can be prepared using crop residues, enrich soil carbon content, improve productivity, and can be applied at approximately 100 kg per acre. He further encouraged farmers to establish small-scale biogas plants and utilise them as biofertilizer units.
Dr Boniface Lepcha, SMS, KVK ICAR, emphasised that the Khet Bachao Abhiyan forms part of the broader vision of a developed India by 2047. He discussed area expansion strategies and stressed that farmers should focus not only on self-consumption but also on producing marketable surplus. He encouraged farmers to select one or two crops with strong market potential.
He also advised farmers cultivating cherry pepper to use plastic mulch of not more than 25 mm thickness and adopt biomulching techniques. Regarding crop health concerns during hot and dry spells, he cautioned that anthracnose disease could become problematic and recommended weekly alternate application of trichoderma and copper oxychloride (COC). He also suggested using low tunnels and shelters for rainy-season cultivation.
Representing the banking sector, Shri Gopal Lama, Assistant Bank Manager, SBI, stressed the importance of linking Aadhaar cards with bank accounts, explaining that while individuals may possess multiple accounts, Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) are processed only through Aadhaar-linked accounts. He advised farmers not to frequently change the mobile numbers linked with Aadhaar and bank accounts. He further informed participants about insurance schemes offering accidental death coverage of up to Rs. 2 lakh at Rs. 20 per year, and another scheme providing coverage up to Rs. 2 lakh at Rs. 436 per year.
Ms Passang Sherpa, Lead Bank Manager, CBI, encouraged farmers to benefit from agricultural loans under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, mentioning that loans up to Rs. 2 lakh require only a photocopy of land documents (parcha) and can be sanctioned for a period of five years.
The programme was also addressed by Shri J. N. Sharma, Joint Director, Horticulture Department, who shared his experiences from the field and reiterated that Khet Bachao Abhiyan aims to conserve agricultural soil. He informed farmers about upcoming departmental initiatives where produce would be marketed through FPOs using eco-friendly packaging containing assorted organic products. He also highlighted the distribution of inputs under the MIDH programme, including seedlings such as banana, guava, papaya, avocado, and kiwi. Addressing concerns regarding wildlife-related crop damage, he advised farmers to submit joint applications through the Panchayat to the Chief Wildlife Warden. He also encouraged young farmers to instill a connection with agriculture and soil among future generations.
The programme proceedings were conducted by Shri Birman Rai, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Yashaswi Thapa, Krishi Sevika, who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, officials, and farmers for their active participation and contribution towards the success of the programme.
The event concluded with a collective commitment towards sustainable farming, soil conservation, and strengthening agricultural productivity through collaborative efforts.
