Khet Bachao Abhiyan Conducted at Rongli Bazar Cooperative Hall for Rongli, Changeylakha & Regu GPU
Pakyong, June 24: As part of the nationwide Khet Bachao Abhiyan (Save the Field Campaign), being observed from 1–30 June 2026 under the directives of the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, a farmer awareness programme was successfully conducted at Rongli Bazar Cooperative Hall for farmers of Rongli, Changeylakha and Regu GPUs.
The programme was graced by Hon’ble Panchayat Presidents Shri H.B. Rai and Smt. Mani Mala Gurung as Chief Guests, while Hon’ble Panchayat Members Shri G.B. Pradhan, Shri Dorjee Tsheden Bhutia, Smt. Sabina Rai, and Smt. Prativa Gurung attended as Guests of Honour.
The event witnessed active participation from Shri Tshering Chophel Bhutia, Additional Director, Agriculture & Horticulture Department; Smt. Rebecca Gurung, Deputy Director, Agriculture Department; Smt. Geeta Chettri, Deputy Director, Horticulture Department; Shri Ashok Gurung, ADO, Agriculture Department; Shri Karma Pintso Lepcha, Horticulture Department; Dr. Sunil L. Narnaware, Assistant Professor, CAEPHT, CAU; Dr. Abhishek Patel, Assistant Professor, CAEPHT, CAU Imphal; Dr. Anushree Gogoi, SMS, KVK; Dr. Shravani K, SMS, KVK; Shri Tashi Bhutia, Assistant Manager, Sikkim IFFCO Organic Limited; Shri Saimon Manger, ATM, ATMA; departmental officials, field functionaries and farmers from the area.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by Shri Ashok Gurung, ADO, Agriculture Department, who welcomed the dignitaries and participants and highlighted the significance of 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.
Shri Karma Pintso Lepcha from the Horticulture Department provided detailed insights into various horticulture development schemes. He focused on large cardamom cultivation and appreciated farmers for supplying substantial quantities to Sikkim IFFCO Organic Limited. He also highlighted the importance of mulching in Dalle Khorsani cultivation for moisture conservation, weed management and enhanced productivity. Further, he emphasized the use of Protein Bait Spray in citrus cultivation as an effective measure for controlling fruit fly infestation and improving fruit quality and yield.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Tashi Bhutia, Assistant Manager, Sikkim IFFCO Organic Limited, provided an overview of the organisation and encouraged farmers to maximize the benefits offered by SIOL. He also appealed to farmers to supply large cardamom, buckwheat, ginger and turmeric through the organisation.
Dr. Anushree Gogoi, SMS, KVK ICAR, highlighted the activities and services undertaken by Krishi Vigyan Kendra and shared technical recommendations aimed at improving agricultural productivity and sustainability. She also discussed open cultivation and greenhouse cultivation practices and provided insights into climate-resilient and smart farming approaches. She urged farmers to make effective use of various government schemes and emphasized the importance of branding and marketing organic products.
Dr. Sunil L. Narnaware, Assistant Professor, CAEPHT, CAU Imphal, provided an overview of the institution and highlighted the role of scientific and technological interventions in agriculture, emphasizing the adoption of modern farming techniques for sustainable agricultural development.
The programme was also addressed by Shri Tshering Chophel Bhutia, Additional Director, Agriculture & Horticulture Department.During his address, he emphasized the importance of protecting agricultural land and adopting sustainable farming practices for long-term agricultural development. He encouraged farmers to make optimum use of various government schemes, technical support services and departmental initiatives aimed at improving farm productivity and strengthening livelihood opportunities. He further stressed the importance of coordinated efforts among farmers, field functionaries and stakeholders for the overall development and strengthening of the agricultural sector.
The keynote address was delivered by Shri H.B. Rai, Hon’ble Panchayat President, Regu GPU, who appreciated the efforts of the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments in organizing the programme. He encouraged farmers to actively participate in government schemes, adopt improved farming practices and work collectively towards enhancing agricultural productivity and livelihood security. He also urged farmers to undertake cultivation activities extensively and maximize the available benefits. Additionally, he placed a demand for large cardamom saplings.
The programme was moderated by Shri Dhan Raj Chettri, FA, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Shri Yogesh Gurung, VLW, Chujachen.
The programme concluded with an interactive discussion session during which farmers actively 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 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.
