Two-Day Farmers’ Training Programme on Oilseed Crops under NMEO-OS Organised at Tumin Barang
Tumin Barang
7th November 2026: The Agriculture Department, Gangtok District, Government of Sikkim, successfully organised a two-day Farmers’ Training Programme on Oilseed Crops on 6th and 7th November 2026 at the CHC Centre of Rakdong Tintek Organic Farmers Producers Cooperative Society Ltd. (OFPCS), Tumin Barang, under Rakdong Tintek Block. The programme was conducted under the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-OS), under the guidance and supervision of the Joint Director, Agriculture Department, Gangtok District.
The programme aimed to sensitise farmers on scientific oilseed cultivation, improved production technologies, crop diversification and the productive utilisation of fallow agricultural land to enhance farm productivity and income.
The programme was graced by Shri Lila Dhar Dahal, Board Member of Rakdong Tintek OFPCS Ltd., and Shri Kashi Nath Nepal, Manager, Rakdong Tintek OFPCS Ltd.
During the technical sessions, Dr. Punnam Chettri, Senior Research Fellow, KVK Ranipool, highlighted scientific oilseed cultivation, improved varieties, nutrient management and biological plant protection, including the appropriate use of Trichoderma.
Shri Nima Tshering Sherpa, Agriculture Development Officer, Rakdong Tintek Block, briefed farmers on NMEO-OS and various departmental schemes and encouraged the expansion of oilseed cultivation through the utilisation of fallow and underutilised agricultural land.
Shri Karan Luitel Sharma, Krishi Sevak, Rakdong Tintek Block, sensitised farmers on zero-tillage technology and conservation agriculture, highlighting their importance in reducing cultivation costs, conserving soil moisture and promoting sustainable farming practices. Shri
Kashi Nath Nepal, Manager, Rakdong Tintek OFPCS Ltd., emphasised collective production, aggregation and marketing through FPO initiatives and assured efforts towards establishing suitable market linkages, including coordination with Sikkim IFFCO.
As part of the programme, mustard seeds of the improved Pant Giriraj variety were distributed to 40 FPO shareholders to encourage oilseed cultivation and the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. Technical guidance was also provided on their proper application and utilisation.
Following the training, a practical demonstration on zero-tillage cultivation of mustard (Pant Giriraj variety) in a rice-fallow field was conducted at the agricultural field of Shri Lila Dhar Dahal, Tumin Shelay. The demonstration was facilitated by Ms. Pabitra Subba, ATM, ATMA; Shri Nima Tshering Sherpa, ADO; and Shri Karan Luitel Sharma, Krishi Sevak, Rakdong Tintek Block. Farmers were provided practical exposure to the benefits of zero-tillage in conserving soil moisture, reducing cultivation expenses and promoting productive utilisation of rice-fallow fields, particularly under sustainable and natural farming practices.
The programme witnessed the participation of 40 farmers, departmental officials and staff, FPO representatives and local stakeholders. Ms. Laximi Sharma, Marketing Assistant, Tumin GPU, moderated the programme.
