Within-State Exposure Visit-cum-Farmers’ Training Programme Organised by ATMA, Gangtok District, in Pakyong District
Date: 6th November 2026
The Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Gangtok District, under the Agriculture Department, Government of Sikkim, organised a Within-State Exposure Visit-cum-Farmers’ Training Programme to selected locations in Pakyong District on 6th November 2026.
The programme was accompanied by Mr. Bharat Sharma, Deputy Director of Agriculture, Gangtok District, along with the BTM Ranka, ATM Nandok, officials from the Agriculture Department, Gangtok District, and participating farmers from the district.
The exposure visit covered the following locations:
1. National Research Centre for Orchids (NRCO), Pakyong
The participants visited NRCO, Pakyong, where they interacted with the following resource persons:
* Dr. Chandan Gowda H., Scientist (Agricultural Extension).
* Dr. Rihne Tasou, Scientist (Floriculture & Landscaping).
* Mr. Siddhant Chetia, YP-I (Floriculture).
The visit provided farmers with exposure to scientific orchid cultivation, floriculture practices, landscaping techniques and improved production technologies. The interaction also helped participants understand the importance of research-based agricultural practices and their practical application at the farmers’ level.
2. Green Valley Nursery-cum-Gerbera Farm School, Mulukey, Rhenock
The participants visited Green Valley Nursery-cum-Gerbera Farm School, where the session was facilitated by Mr. Bouz Laksom, Farm School Teacher.
The farmers were exposed to nursery management, gerbera cultivation, protected cultivation practices and commercial floriculture. The visit highlighted the potential of flower cultivation and nursery-based enterprises as additional sources of income and livelihood generation for farmers.
3. Hazaray Brothers Organic Farm, Aritar, Pradhan Goan
The final exposure visit was conducted at Hazaray Brothers Organic Farm, where the participants interacted with:
* Rebecca Gurung, Deputy Director of Agriculture, Pakyong District.
* Mr. K.K. Dhakal, ADO, Rhenock Block.
* Mr. Dilip Pradhan, Hazaray Brothers.
* Mr. HB Pradhan, Hazaray Brothers.
* Mr. Amit Chettri, ATM Rhenock.
The interaction focused on organic farming practices, farm management, sustainable agricultural production and the importance of adopting environmentally friendly farming methods. The progressive farming activities undertaken by Hazaray Brothers provided participants with practical insights into organic farming and its potential for sustainable livelihood generation.
The representatives of Hazaray Brothers also highlighted the importance of promoting organic products through proper packaging and labelling. They explained that attractive, hygienic and informative packaging can improve product presentation, protect the quality of farm produce and increase consumer confidence. The participants were also made aware of the importance of including relevant information on labels, such as the product name, ingredients, date of packing, net weight, contact details and other required particulars.
The session further covered post-harvest management practices, including proper cleaning, grading, sorting, drying, storage and handling of agricultural produce. The representatives explained that reducing post-harvest losses and maintaining product quality are essential for improving returns from organic farming.
The participants were also introduced to the scope of value addition through the processing and preparation of products such as pickles, dried vegetables and other organic farm-based products. Through their practical experience and successful initiatives, the representatives of Hazaray Brothers motivated the visiting farmers to adopt improved post-harvest practices, develop value-added products and explore better marketing opportunities for organic produce.
The exposure visit aimed to strengthen farmers’ practical knowledge through direct interaction with scientists, technical experts and progressive farmers. It also provided an opportunity to learn about improved agricultural technologies, commercial floriculture, nursery management, sustainable organic farming, post-harvest management, packaging, labelling and value addition.
The programme concluded with an emphasis on adopting suitable technologies and innovative farming practices to enhance agricultural productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, improve product quality, diversify farm income and strengthen sustainable livelihoods among farmers
