ATMA Gangtok District successfully concludes Inter State Training cum Exposure Visit to Kalimpong from November 3, 2026 – November 5, 2026
1. Program Overview
A three-day field visit and technical training workshop was organized at Kalimpong KVK (UBKV) to strengthen regional agricultural capacity, foster inter-state research collaboration, and exchange practical knowledge on horticultural crops across Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Sikkim.
2. Key Objectives
• Examine horticultural developments and challenges specific to the Eastern Himalayan region.
• Share actionable insights on Mandarin orange and Kiwi plantation management.
3. Session Summaries
Day 1: Tuesday, November 3, 2026
• Welcome & Opening Address: Dr. M. W. Moktan (Senior Scientist & Head, Darjeeling KVK) inaugurated the session and set the agenda for the event.
• Institutional Briefing: Mrs. Akriti Pradhan (SMS, Home Science) presented an overview of Kalimpong KVK’s role in rural development and technical extension.
• Technical Session on Horticulture: Mrs. Snehlata Lama (SMS, Horticulture) discussed the economic and ecological importance of horticulture across Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Sikkim.
• Nursery Tour: Dr. Basu Deo Kharga (Asst. Lab) conducted a guided walkthrough of the KVK nursery facilities, demonstrating seedling management and plant propagation.
• Mandarin Orchard Field Visit: Coordinated by Dr. Basu Deo Kharga, participants visited the Mandarin Orange orchard of Mr. Kharga. Mr. Kharga, as the orchard owner and primary speaker for this segment, shared practical insights on canopy management, soil care, yield optimization, and pest control techniques tailored to hill agriculture.
Day 2: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
• Dalapchand Farm & Kiwi Plantation: Mr. Akash Deep Thapa (Farm Manager) led a detailed field demonstration on kiwi cultivation, trellis structuring, and commercial farm management.
• Pine View Nursery Tour: Participants conducted a walkthrough of Pine View Nursery, observing regional plant varieties and commercial nursery protocols.
Day 3: Thursday, November 5, 2026
• Field Findings Synthesis & Discussion: Participants and experts reviewed field observations from the Mandarin orange orchard, Kiwi plantation, and nursery visits.
• Interactive Stakeholder Session: Open discussion between KVK scientists, Sikkim Agriculture Department representatives, and local farm managers regarding post-harvest strategies and crop protection.
• Valedictory & Concluding Session: Summarization of workshop outcomes, feedback collection, and distribution of participation acknowledgments.
