Gangtok, June 30 (IPR): The Agriculture Department, Government of Sikkim, organised the closing programme of Khet Bachao Abhiyan 2026 at Nazitam Agriculture Farm, Martam, today.
Minister for Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, and Fisheries Development Departments, Mr Puran Kumar Gurung, attended the programme as the Chief Guest.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest Mr Puran Kumar Gurung commended the Agriculture Department for successfully organising Khet Bachao Abhiyan 2026 and described the campaign as a significant initiative aimed at encouraging the younger generation to recognise the importance of agriculture and actively engage in farming. He said the campaign carried a strong message on the need to protect agricultural land and ensure its productive utilisation for the benefit of future generations.
The Minister stated that the State Government, under the leadership of the Chief Minister, Mr Prem Singh Tamang, had been implementing several farmer-centric initiatives to strengthen the agriculture and allied sectors. He said the Government had been extending incentives and financial assistance to farmers to enhance agricultural and horticultural production, improve rural livelihoods and promote sustainable farming practices.
Highlighting the progress achieved in the livestock sector, the Minister said milk production in the State had increased steadily due to the Government's continued support for dairy development, the establishment of cow shelters and various livestock development initiatives. He further noted that food processing units established across the State had created opportunities for value addition, enabling farmers to secure better returns for their produce while reducing post-harvest losses.
Referring to the PM-KISAN scheme, the Minister said the initiative had been providing timely financial assistance to eligible farmers, enabling them to meet cultivation expenses and improve agricultural productivity. He added that the Government remained committed to ensuring that farmers benefited from various welfare and development schemes aimed at improving their socio-economic well-being.
Reaffirming Sikkim's identity as India's first fully organic State, the Minister said organic and natural farming had enhanced the quality of agricultural produce while safeguarding public health and conserving the environment. He further stated that the Prime Minister had appreciated Sikkim's achievements in organic farming, orchid conservation and tourism, which had brought national recognition to the State. He added that Sikkim's pristine natural environment, rich biodiversity and vibrant cultural heritage offered immense potential for sustainable tourism and inclusive economic growth.
Calling upon the younger generation to remain connected with their roots, the Minister stressed the importance of preserving Sikkim's rich culture, traditions and agricultural heritage. He urged farmers and the public to continue practising organic and natural farming, conserve agricultural land and work collectively towards building a self-reliant, sustainable and prosperous agricultural future for the State.
Addressing the gathering, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Agriculture and Horticulture Department, Mr Jigmee Dorjee Bhutia, expressed his gratitude to the Chief Guest for gracing the occasion and reaffirmed the Government's commitment to the agricultural sector. He stated that Khet Bachao Abhiyan was being implemented as a flagship initiative to encourage the protection and productive utilisation of agricultural land, promote sustainable farming practices and strengthen food security. He urged farmers to preserve Sikkim's identity as an organic farming State by refraining from the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides and continuing to adopt eco-friendly and natural farming practices.
Highlighting the significance of असार १५, Mr Jigmee Dorjee Bhutia said the day symbolised the State's rich agrarian heritage and the collective spirit of paddy cultivation while underscoring the importance of agriculture in sustaining rural livelihoods. He also highlighted the role of the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) in strengthening agricultural extension services through farmer training programmes, demonstrations, exposure visits, capacity-building initiatives and the dissemination of improved farming technologies to enhance agricultural productivity and improve farmers' livelihoods.
Earlier, the programme commenced with a welcome address by Joint Director, Agriculture Department, Mr Yogesh Sharma, followed by the launch of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan campaign pamphlets and booklets by the Chief Guest and other dignitaries.
During the programme, Gurash SHG of Rakdong received the award for the Best Exhibition Stall, while Mr Ghanashyam Chettri of Kaiyanthang, Ranka received the Best Farmer Award. Farmer awards were also presented to:
1. Mr Lall Bahadur Pradhan, Dung Dung Thasa, Khamdong
2. Ms Pyanki Rai, Barbing, Ranka
3. Mr Bharat Pradhan, Lower Syari (Ward No. 2), Nandok
4. Mr Phurba Tshering Bhutia, Namrang, Martam
5. Mr Somnath Luitel, Dhanbari Tumin, Rakdong
The Chief Guest and other dignitaries also distributed agricultural kits to farm labourers and polyhouse farmers to encourage sustainable farming practices and enhance agricultural productivity.
A district-level exhibition organised by ATMA, Gangtok District, showcased innovative agricultural initiatives, improved farming technologies and best practices, providing farmers with an opportunity to learn about various Government interventions and sustainable agricultural methods.
The programme was also attended by Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Agriculture and Horticulture Department, Mr Jigmee Dorjee Bhutia, Secretary, Agriculture Department, Dr S. Anbalagan, Principal Director-cum-Secretary, Horticulture Department, Mr TT Bhutia, Principal Director, Agriculture Department, Mr Rajen Thapa, Principal Director, Agriculture Department, Mr Jagdish Pradhan, Block Development Officer, Martam, Panchayat Members, officers and staff of the Agriculture Department, farmers and other stakeholders.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Deputy Director, PD ATMA,Ms Susmita Lama Tamang followed by a Community धान रोपाइँ activity, reflecting the spirit of collective farming and community participation.
The closing programme marked the culmination of Khet Bachao Abhiyan 2026, an initiative aimed at promoting soil health, climate-resilient farming, the balanced use of bio-fertilisers and greater awareness among farmers to ensure sustainable agricultural development across the State.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK