Horticulture Department’s senior official Technical Team Visits Gyalshing to Boost horticulture Cluster Developments
Gyalshing,November 17:
A technical team from the Horticulture Department recently conducted an extensive monitoring and evaluation visit to various horticultural clusters across Gyalshing District, including Darap, Nessa, and Chongrang. The visit aimed to review the performance of ongoing horticultural initiatives, interact with farmers, and provide on-field technical guidance for improving production and quality across key crops.
At Darap, the team visited well-maintained kiwi orchards and interacted with progressive farmers engaged in commercial kiwi cultivation. Discussions highlighted adoption of improved cultural practices viz., training and pruning, fruit thinning aspects and prospects for expanding kiwi-based livelihood ventures. The farmers shared positive feedback on departmental interventions and sought continued guidance.
Moving towards Nessa and Chongrang, team evaluated field activities, assessed crop performance, and identified potential areas for further strengthening of the horticultural economy. Special attention was given to the red cherry pepper cluster, where hands-on training sessions were imparted on prospects issues and challenges way forward for the crops. Meanwhile culture practise like crop rotation clean cultivation and characterisation, identification, and selection of best-performing lines along with nursery management and scientific package of practices were also highlighted.
At Tashiding, interactions with farmer groups centred on diversification through orchard development and cultivation of Sikkim Mandarin and avocado in designated clusters. The field assessment revealed encouraging results, reflecting both farmer enthusiasm and improved technical management. The team also emphasized scientific orchard management, soil and land use system , and value addition opportunities to enhance household income.
Comprising Mr Suren Gurung, Additional Director (Fruit Division), Mr Rinzing Bhutia, Additional Director (Spices and Aromatic Plants), and Mr Karma Sherpa, Additional Director and District In-charge Gyalshing, along with Deputy Directors and field officers, the mission concluded with a positive outlook on crop performance across clusters.
Their visit reaffirmed the department’s commitment to support farmers through continuous field engagement, scientific mentoring, and creation of value-driven horticultural clusters that strengthen Gyalshing’s identity as a hub of high-value horticulture.
