Namchi, November 2 (IPR): The District Farmers Advisory Committee (DFAC) meeting was organised by the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) at the DAC Conference Hall, Namchi, under the chairpersonship of District Collector, Namchi, Ms. Anupa Tamling. The meeting reviewed agricultural activities, assessed challenges faced by farmers and discussed measures to strengthen inter-departmental coordination for sustainable agricultural development.
Addressing the gathering, District Collector Anupa Tamling appreciated the dedication of farmers, particularly women farmers, in strengthening Sikkim’s identity as an organic state. She stressed the need for coordinated efforts among departments to ensure farmers’ access to essential resources, timely information, insurance facilities and better marketing opportunities. She also emphasised strengthening direct market linkages to improve farmer’s income and livelihood prospects.
Additional Director Agriculture Department Ms Nirmala Moktan stressed the importance of collective efforts and effective inter-departmental coordination to improve farmers’ livelihoods. She encouraged the promotion of commercially viable crops and urged farmers to maintain organic farming practices while avoiding harmful chemical pesticides and fertilisers to protect soil health and the environment.
KVK representative I.P. Shiva Koti emphasised the importance of farmer training, field demonstrations, research-based farming and inter-departmental coordination. He also highlighted the proposed establishment of a KVK Skill Development Training Centre in Namchi, which is expected to become operational in 2028.
Deputy PD (ATMA) Namchi Dr. Nation Rai delivered a PowerPoint presentation on various farm-oriented activities, highlighting farmer training programmes on organic farming, ginger and mushroom cultivation, backyard poultry, FSSAI licensing and other allied activities. He also briefed the gathering on capacity-building initiatives undertaken in collaboration with KVK and ICAR, including training programmes at the Seed Farm in Kalimpong.
Deputy Director Agriculture Department Dr. Wongyal Lepcha briefed the gathering on agricultural schemes, including PM-KISAN and the Soil Health Card Scheme. He also highlighted Mission Sikkim Organic, launched on May 16, 2026, with a proposed budget of Rs. 360 crore, aimed at strengthening organic farming and promoting Sikkim’s organic produce in premium markets.
Deputy Director Horticulture Department Ms Purnima Thing emphasised the need to strengthen direct market linkages between farmers and consumers to ensure better returns by reducing intermediaries. She also highlighted mushroom cultivation, seed availability and the importance of crop insurance.
Deputy Director Dr. Astuti Rai DVP Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department highlighted livestock healthcare initiatives, including vaccination programmes against Lumpy Skin Disease in cattle, Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) in goats and Classical Swine Fever in pigs. She also briefed the gathering on livestock insurance and support schemes for eligible pig breeders.
Block Office Fisheries Department Ms Nirmala Thapa highlighted the potential of sustainable fish farming, including trout and carp cultivation. She also briefed the gathering on available government schemes, subsidies, training opportunities and marketing support for fish farmers.
During the programme, eight selected individuals were felicitated with cheques of Rs. 10,000 each, while seed money assistance of up to Rs. 22,500 was distributed to eight selected beneficiaries to support their agricultural activities.
The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to promote sustainable organic farming, strengthen inter-departmental coordination and enhance the welfare of the farming community.
Report From DIO Namchi