District-Level Krishi Mela, Soreng District
A District-Level Krishi Mela was organised today by the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Agriculture Department, in collaboration with the Horticulture Department in Soreng District.
The programme was graced by the Hon’ble Area MLA,Rinchenpong Constituency Shri Erung Tenzing Lepcha, Honourable Zilla Panchayat Shri Phurba Tashi Bhutia, Honourable Panchayat President and members of Kaluk and Mangalbaria block, APS, Soreng District Shri Erastus Lepcha, Chairman (Press and Stationary) Smt Pempoki Bhutia, OSD to HCM, Shri Robin Dong, SDM SDAC Mangalbaria Shri D.N. Sharma, Additional Director Agriculture and Horticulture Department Shri Pranaya Gurung, Joint Director Agriculture Department Shri A.B. Rai, BDO Kaluk, Shri TikaRam Rai, BDO Mangalbaria Shri Basant Moktan, RO&AD Mangalbaria Shri Zigdel Bhutia, AD Administration Ms Tshering Diki Bhutia, CFL Project Manager Crisil Foundation as well as Officers and field functionaries of Agriculture and Horticulture Department, MangalbariaSubdivision and Soreng District. The programme saw more than 150 participants including stalls from progressive farmers, SHGs, from all six blocks of the district.
The programme was hosted by ATM, ATMA Shri PhurchoLepcha and the programme commenced with a welcome address by ADO Mrs. Punai Subba, followed by a brief overview of the programme by Deputy Director Shri Manish Pradhan who highlighted the role of ATMA in supporting farmers through the promotion of new technologies, capacity building and various support provisions. This was followed by a visit to the exhibition stalls showcasing a diverse range of agricultural and horticultural products, including value-added products, fresh vegetable produce, flowers, handicrafts and other locally produced items.
Additional Director Shri Pranaya Gurung provided an overview of the various schemes offered by the Agriculture and Horticulture Departments, highlighting the benefits available to farmers and the procedures through which eligible beneficiaries can avail themselves of these provisions.
A special address by SDM, Shri D.N. Sharma shared information on the various agricultural and horticultural activities undertaken under the subdivision. These included mustard cultivation in selected clusters, maintenance of greenhouses, cultivation of various crops within the office premises, and highlighted the importance of collective efforts towards the rejuvenation of barren lands.
The main highlight event was the felicitation of progressive farmers with 1 District Level ATMA award and 6 Block Level ATMA Awards to progressive farmers promoting agriculture and horticulture. The District level Award was presented to Mrs. Maita Maya Rai and the Block level Awards were presented to Kusang Kinzang Bhutia from Kaluk Block, Santa Kumar Rai from Chumbong Block, Mesak Rai from Baiguney Block, Lakpa Tshering Tamang from Mangalbaria Block, Dew Kumar Dahal from Soreng Block and Man Matti Subba from Daramdin Block.
Addressing the gathering, Honourable MLA Shri ErungTenzing Lepcha highlighted the significant role played by ATMA and the Agriculture and Horticulture Department in providing a platform for progressive farmers and supporting their journey towards success. He emphasised the importance of value addition for effective income generation throughorganic products, and the provision of various agricultural inputs, including farm machinery and tanks, to support farmers. He encouraged farmers to make effective use of the available schemes and provisions, ensure the efficient utilisation of inputs and work towards achieving self-sustainability. He also appreciated the efforts of farmer entrepreneurs actively engaged in promoting local agricultural products and encouraged farmers to adopt cluster-based farming approaches to strengthen the local economy and improve farmers’ livelihoods. He further congratulated all the award-winning farmers for their achievements and contributions.
Following this, ADO Ms. Amimsha Limboo introduced Moringa Tea Boxes from Zoom Producers to the dignitaries, followed by the distribution of Chrysanthemum saplings to beneficiary farmers by HDO Ms. Tshering Lhamu Sherpa.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by HDO Mrs. Tshering Lhamu Sherpa who expressed her gratitude to all the dignitaries, departmental officials, field functionaries, participating farmers and everyone involved in making the event a success.
