Three days long Technology Week-cum-Kishan Mela

Mangan: (IPR) The Three days long Technology Week-cum-Kishan Mela officially kicked off today at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mangan. The Hon’ble Minister, Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Shri Lok Nath Sharma graced the inaugural day as the Chief Guest and the Hon’ble Minister Road & Bridges cum Area MLA of Lachen Mangan constituency Shri Samdup Lepcha was present as the Guest of Honour.

Addressing the “Kisan Gosthi”, Minister Sharma reiterated that the state government is fully committed for the welfare of the citizens at all levels.

He emphasised on the tremendous potential of the agriculture sector in North District and urged farmers to make optimum utilisation of uncultivated land. He also advised FPOs to be more proactive and determined to enhance production and to export the product in global markets after processing and value addition of the product, tagged with Green Economy & Sikkim Himalaya.

The present government has begun carrying out farming practices in the field and farmers have been motivated who all are coming forward to adopt agriculture as a lucrative profession.

He informed farmers about the provision of subsidized loan initiated by the state government in Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services for Goattery, Dairy, Poultry, Piggery, Fisheries farming etc. and encouraged gathering to adopt farming with proper planning through availed benefits under the leadership of the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Sikkim.

Minister also informed about the financial incentives under spices board for cardamom cultivation and urged the public to be aware of available facilities.

Minister Sharma also outlined the scope of advanced technology based on dairy farming and shared the planning of the department to adopt improved techniques for the economic growth of the farmers in the near future.

Minister Sharma also announced to establish a Cold Storage Centre in North Sikkim. He also applauded the initiatives of KVK Mangan and congratulated the Head of the institution and the entire team for their commendable services.

Hon’ble Minister-cum Area MLA of Lachen Mangan constituency, Shri Samdup Lepcha in his speech said that today the coronavirus ( COVID-19) outbreak has become an epidemic. An emergency meeting to discuss the issue of protection against the spread of coronavirus in the state under the chief secretary was held on 04/03/2020, he informed. Further, he has appealed to every individual to stay alert and to follow all health advisory seriously.

Speaking on the agriculture sector, Minister Shri Lepcha said that the method of farming has been improved with the utilization of advanced equipment. He also advised farmers to share their knowledge in the respective societies. He also touched upon the vital role of farmers to sustain the economy and encouraged them to adopt modern techniques developed by Agricultural scientists.

He also suggested to form a various group in the society and to adopt farming practices of a particular type of cultivation of their interest. Minister Lepcha also urged concerned field staff to guide the farmers at the community level and request to address the need of Cold Storage Unit and Transportation facilities.

Pr. Secretary Agriculture and Horticulture, Shri R Telang advised farmers to adopt the acquired technical knowledge in practice. He articulated to develop a positive attitude and never to be disheartened in dealing with challenges in agricultural farming. He also encouraged farmers to be more organised, social and united to adopt agriculture professionally and to address the constraints and impediments for surplus productivity.

Secretary Agriculture Deptt. Shri Rinzing C. Bhutia informed that all the schemes under government sectors are clearly dedicated to the farmers and urged them to take complete benefits of the schemes. He also underlined the provision of financial benefits of Rupees Six Thousand under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Samman Nidhi (PMKSN) on annual basis and advised them to consult with the officials at the district level to ensure inclusion of the name of every farmer entitled for the benefits.

Secretary Horticulture Deptt. Shri MT Sherpa also addressed farmers and underlined various schemes and programmes being implemented under the department.

During the programme, Minister Sharma handed over Poly Tank & PVC Pipe, Farm Machineries, KnepSak Sprayer, Chaff Cutter, Power Tiller, Spices Grinder, Micro-irrigation under Agriculture and Horticulture Department, Farmers also received a token of Kharagnath Poultry Breed. He also handed over Soil Health Card and Certificate of Appreciation to the progressive farmers.
Senior Scientist and Head KVK, North, Shri TT Bhutia presented a technical report on the activities being carried out by KVK North and elaborated on the improved farming friendly technology to enhance productivity. He also motivated farmers to utilize newly developed equipment and scientific methods for surplus production.

Earlier, Agriculture Minister Sharma visited stalls and interacted with the farmers and exhibitors from KVK Mangan, CAEPHT Ranipool, Spices Board Government of India, Juthi Organic Farm Produce ( Under ARYA project), Self Help Groups including Chozum SHG, Monakamana SHG from Ramom, Bayul SHG from Lower Singhik & Ingnam SHG from Mangshila, Kayem Kyong SHG from Kayem, Byamu Tarvot SHG from Noam, Rongyoung Kyoung SHG from Passingdang.

The programme was also attended by the District Collector North Shri Tenzing T. Kaleon, Mission Director SIMFED Shri Pawan Awasthi, Officials from Agriculture, Horticulture Deptt., Spices Board, Government of India and others.

Later, the Minister Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Shri Sharma also visited Milk Union, Mangan. Minister took stock on the functionality of the unit in detail. Further, he discussed with the Principal Director-cum-MD Milk Union North Shri BB Subba for the up-gradation and strengthening of the district level unit.