Press Release from Agriculture Department, Pakyong District
Khet Bachao Abhiyan Conducted at Sumin Lingzey
Pakyong, 16 June: As part of the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan (Save the Field Campaign), being observed from 1 June to 30 June 2026 under the directives of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, a farmer awareness programme was conducted at Sumin Lingzey.
The programme was graced by Shri Suman Rai, Hon’ble Vice Panchayat President, as the Chief Guest, and Smt Deo Maya Chettri, Hon’ble Panchayat Member, as the Guest of Honour. The event witnessed the active participation of Shri J.N. Sharma, Joint Director, Horticulture Department; Smt Rebecca Gurung, Deputy Director, Agriculture Department; Smt Sangita Basnett, Deputy Director, Agriculture Department; Dr. Abhishek Patel, Assistant Professor, CAEPHT, CAU Imphal; Dr. Krishna Mondal, Assistant Professor, CAEPHT, CAU Imphal; Dr. Boniface Lepcha, SMS, KVK ICAR; Shri Sushant Sharma, Agriculture Inspector; Shri Darshan Upreti, BTM, ATMA; Shri Tik Bir Gurung, ATM, ATMA; field functionaries; and farmers from the area.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Smt Sangita Basnett, Deputy Director, Agriculture Department, who welcomed the dignitaries and participants and highlighted the significance of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan in promoting sustainable agriculture and safeguarding agricultural land.
During the technical session, Smt Rebecca Gurung, Deputy Director, Agriculture Department, provided an overview of the Khet Bachao Abhiyan and elaborated on the importance of organic farming, soil health and fertility management, and various schemes being implemented by the Agriculture Department for the welfare and benefit of farmers.
This was followed by an address by Shri J.N. Sharma, Joint Director, Horticulture Department, who provided detailed insights into various horticulture development schemes. He highlighted the importance of mulching in Dalle Khorsani cultivation for moisture conservation, weed management, and improved productivity. He also emphasized the use of Protein Bait Spray in citrus cultivation as an effective measure for managing fruit fly infestation and enhancing fruit quality and yield.
Dr. Boniface Lepcha, SMS, KVK ICAR, provided an overview of the activities and services being undertaken by Krishi Vigyan Kendra and shared technical recommendations on agricultural and horticultural practices aimed at improving farm productivity and sustainability. He also shared information on open cultivation and greenhouse cultivation and provided insights into climate-resilient and smart farming practices. Further, he appealed to farmers to make effective use of various government schemes to enhance their income and improve agricultural productivity.
The programme was also addressed by Dr. Krishna Mondal, Assistant Professor, CAEPHT, CAU Imphal, who highlighted the role of scientific and technological interventions in agriculture and emphasized the importance of adopting modern farming techniques for sustainable agricultural development.
The keynote address was delivered by Shri Suman Rai, Hon’ble Vice Panchayat President, who appreciated the efforts of the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments in organizing the programme. He encouraged farmers, particularly women farmers and Self-Help Groups, to actively participate in government schemes, adopt improved farming practices, and work collectively towards enhancing agricultural productivity and livelihood security.
The programme concluded with an interactive discussion session during which farmers actively participated and raised queries related to agriculture, horticulture, soil health, organic farming, and government support programmes. The resource persons addressed their concerns and provided technical guidance and recommendations.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Ms Rinzing Wangmo Lepcha, Krishi Sevika, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, dignitaries, resource persons, officials, farmers, and all stakeholders for their active participation and support in making the programme a success.
The programme was organized by the Agriculture & Horticulture Department, Pakyong, in coordination with ATMA, KVK, and CAEPHT, with the objective of creating awareness among farmers on sustainable agriculture, soil health management, organic farming, crop protection, and various government schemes aimed at improving farm productivity and livelihood security.
The Khet Bachao Abhiyan continues to create awareness among farmers on the importance of protecting agricultural land, adopting scientific and sustainable farming practices, and enhancing agricultural productivity, thereby contributing to the overall development of the farming community in Pakyong District.