
Gyalshing, 3rd November 2020 (IPR): A grand inauguration ceremony of a month-long historical event ‘Pashu Dhan Mela’ with the theme ‘Development Through Credit ‘ for all eight constituencies of West District jointly organized by the Department of Agriculture, Horticulture & AH&VS in coordination with Lead Banks, RBI, NABARD and others banks commenced today at the playground premises of Legship, West Sikkim.
The program was graced by Hon’ble Deputy Speaker(SLA), Shri Sangay Lepcha as the Chief Guest along with Minister for Power, Shri M.N Sherpa and Minister-Cum- Area MLA, Shri L.N Sharma as the guest of honor accompanied by Mrs. Sunita Gazmer (MLA), Mr. Aditya Golay (MLA), Mr. Jacob Khaling(Pol. Secretary to HCM), Mr. Madhusudhan Sharma (Addl. Pol. Secretary to HCM, West), Advisors and Chairman/Chairpersons, Mr. Karma R. Bonpo (DC/W), Dr. A.B Karki (MD/Milk Union), Mr. M. N Cintury (Nodal officer-Cum- Addl. Director, Ah, Vs/w), JD (Horticulture/W), JD (Agriculture/W) and HODs of various departments.
The day’s event began with the offerings of traditional garlands and flower bouquets to the distinguished guest present.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest extended his gratitude towards the organizing committee for holding such a fruitful event in the district. 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 organized, social and united to adopt agriculture professionally and to address the constraints and impediments for surplus productivity.
Addressing the gathering, Shri L.N Sharma emphasized on upliftment and development of farmers on a priority basis. Farmers will be facilitated with effective and efficient technologies, mechanisms and schemes to make them self-reliable and economically strong in every aspect, he added. He said the government is on a mission to combat every odd situation facing by the farmers and lend every possible support to overcome their inferiority in the field of farming. 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.
Further, Shri Sharma acknowledged HOD’S of Animal Husbandry for the successful setting up of Pashu Dhan Mela held today. He said this is a new effort that would benefit the animal husbandry sector as well as the farmers and local people. He said that increase in milk productivity will lead to economic benefit for the people and added the cost of milk has been uprise comparing the price before. He said co-operative can help consolidate the gains in the dairy sector. Describing the well-being of people as the priority for governance, the Minister reiterated the pledge to double farm incomes very soon. He noted the benefiting farmers should equally work hard as the government is also working significantly.
Shri Jacob Khaling conveyed the message of the blessing passed on by Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Sikkim and also briefed about all the development works at all four districts. He informed that the government is relentlessly working to make the state better to best. He further encouraged all the beneficiaries to utilize the benefits in a fair manner so that they can learn to live happy and prosperous.
The highlight of the day’s program was the distribution of Power Tillers to the Self-Help Groups of all eight constituencies and cheques of 40 thousand through Sikkim Milk Union for dairy farming beneficiaries as well.
At the outset, Mr. Pradip Bhandari, State loan consultant briefed the house in detail about the credit schemes and also shared his valuable suggestions and ideas in the support and development of the farmers.