Pakyong, June 30: The Agriculture and Horticulture Department on Tuesday organised the Closing Ceremony-cum-Farmers–Scientists Interaction Programme under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan (Save the Field Campaign) at Dalapchand Gram Panchayat Kendra (GPK) in Pakyong district, bringing together scientists, agricultural experts, government officials, Panchayat representatives and farmers to promote sustainable agriculture, conservation of agricultural land and farmer empowerment.
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| Farmers, scientists and officials participate in the closing ceremony-cum-Farmers–Scientists Interaction Programme under the Khet Bachao Abhiyan at Dalapchand GPK, Pakyong, promoting sustainable agriculture, land conservation and scientific farming practices. (DIO Pakyong) |
The programme, jointly organised by the Agriculture and Horticulture Department in collaboration with the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) and Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), aimed to create awareness about sustainable farming practices, strengthen farmer outreach and encourage greater adoption of scientific agriculture.
The event commenced with the registration of farmers, followed by the arrival of dignitaries and a traditional welcome ceremony during which guests were honoured with Khadas.
Welcoming the gathering, Shri Ashok Gurung, Agriculture Development Officer (ADO), Regu Block, stressed the importance of collective efforts by farmers, government departments and local communities in ensuring the long-term sustainability of agriculture. He said protecting agricultural land and supporting farming communities are essential for ensuring food security and rural prosperity.
An overview of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan and various departmental schemes was presented by Mrs. Rebecca Gurung, Deputy Director, Agriculture Department, Pakyong District. She explained that the campaign seeks to conserve agricultural land while promoting environmentally sustainable farming practices.
Highlighting the importance of soil health and fertility management, she encouraged farmers to adopt organic farming methods and scientific cultivation techniques to improve productivity while protecting natural resources. She also briefed farmers about several welfare schemes implemented by the department and urged them to take full advantage of government support.
Mrs. Gurung also emphasised the growing potential of agrotourism, especially in tourist-rich regions of Sikkim. She said integrating agriculture with tourism can generate additional income for farming families by offering visitors authentic rural experiences while promoting local agricultural products.
Delivering a technical session, Dr. Akangcha, Subject Matter Specialist (Animal Science), Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), highlighted the various farmer training programmes, technological demonstrations and capacity-building initiatives undertaken by KVK to improve agricultural productivity.
She particularly stressed the importance of livestock rearing and fodder cultivation, noting that cattle farming plays a vital role in strengthening Sikkim's vision of becoming a fully organic state. She encouraged farmers to adopt integrated farming systems by combining crop cultivation with livestock management to improve sustainability and enhance household income.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Sansar Ahmed, Joint Director, National Horticulture Board, focused on horticulture development and commercial cultivation as key drivers of rural economic growth.
He encouraged farmers to diversify into high-value horticultural crops to improve productivity and income while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. He also urged them to actively utilise government schemes and financial assistance available through various departments.
Appealing to the younger generation, Ahmed called upon rural youth to embrace entrepreneurship in agriculture and horticulture by making full use of government support programmes designed to promote innovation and agribusiness.
Shri Pemba Sherpa, Assistant Manager of Sikkim IFFCO Organic Limited (SIOL), provided farmers with an overview of the organisation's role in strengthening market linkages for agricultural produce.
He encouraged farmers to market crops such as large cardamom, buckwheat, ginger and turmeric through SIOL to access better markets and secure improved returns for their produce. He said organised marketing systems can significantly enhance farmers' incomes while reducing marketing challenges.
The programme also featured an address by Shri Netra Prasad Sharma, Block Officer, Wildlife Department, who spoke about balancing agricultural development with wildlife conservation.
He highlighted the importance of community participation in addressing human-wildlife conflicts and called for collaborative efforts to ensure sustainable management of natural resources while protecting agricultural livelihoods.
Speaking on behalf of the Agriculture and Horticulture Department, Shri Tshering Chophel Bhutia, Additional Director, emphasised that sustainable agricultural development requires close coordination among government departments, extension agencies and farming communities.
He said integrated planning and community participation are essential for improving agricultural productivity and strengthening farmers' livelihoods across the district.
Representing local self-governments, Shri Arun Rai, Panchayat President, reaffirmed the commitment of Panchayati Raj Institutions to supporting agriculture at the grassroots level. He assured farmers that local bodies would continue facilitating developmental programmes and ensuring that government schemes reach every eligible beneficiary.
The programme was graced by Senior Citizen Shri Tilak Prasad Sharma as the Chief Guest. In his keynote address, he encouraged farmers to embrace modern scientific farming techniques while continuing to preserve traditional agricultural values. He appreciated the Agriculture Department and all participating organisations for conducting awareness programmes that empower farmers and strengthen rural livelihoods.
Shri Canny Gurung, attending as the Guest of Honour, praised the department's efforts in organising the awareness campaign and stressed that protecting agricultural land requires collective participation from government agencies, Panchayati Raj Institutions and farming communities alike.
The event was attended by Smt. Kamal Kumari Sharma, Vice President, Panchayat members Shri Buddhiman Gurung, Smt. Sita Gurung and Smt. Shova Manger, senior Agriculture Department officials including Shri B.M. Gurung, Shri Sun Tshering Lepcha, Joint Director, Deputy Directors, Agriculture Development Officers (ADOs), Horticulture Development Officers (HDOs), Dr. Poonam Chettri, Senior Research Fellow, KVK, field functionaries and a large number of farmers from the district.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Smt. Geeta Chettri, Deputy Director, Rongli Sub-Division, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, scientists, officials, Panchayat representatives and farmers for their active participation.
The successful conclusion of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan reaffirmed the government's commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture, conserving agricultural land and equipping farmers with scientific knowledge, improved technologies and market opportunities. Through collaborative efforts involving government agencies, research institutions and farming communities, the initiative seeks to strengthen food security, improve rural livelihoods and build a resilient agricultural sector in Sikkim.
