Farmers’ Empowerment – Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan:MLA Pamin Lepcha Chief Guest
Gangtok, 3rd June :MLA Pamin Lepcha,the Chief Guest at the mission pledge for developed agriculture programme ,emphasised collective efforts for grassroots development and agricultural progress.She was a companied by the
Zilla Adhakshya Pakyong District, Laden Lhamu Bhutia.
The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA), programme organised by ICAR-Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Ranipool, in collaboration with the Departments of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Fisheries, ICAR-Sikkim Centre, NRC-Orchids, and CAU-CAEPHT, continued its fifth day at Parakha block, Pakyong, today.
The day’s programme focused on the cluster GPUs of Linkey Parakh cana and Latuk Chochenpheri as part of the broader Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, a nationwide 15-day campaign launched to modernise Indian agriculture through scientific outreach, sustainable practices, and farmer empowerment
Addressing the gathering, MLA ,Pamin Lepcha underscored the collective efforts of various departments and institutions in promoting grassroots development, with a special emphasis on agricultural progress.
Chief Guest, highlighted the vision of Viksit Krishi, Samriddh Bharat Abhiyan (VKSA), stressing that the dream of a developed India lies in building a modern, progressive agricultural sector. “When there is progress at home, the nation moves forward. When farmers rise, the nation rises,” she remarked, applauding the vital role of farmers in national development.
Drawing attention to Sikkim’s consumer-driven economy, she called for a shift towards greater productivity. She encouraged parents to involve their children in constructive and economic activities, fostering responsibility and self-reliance among the younger generation.
The MLA urged youths to actively engage in government-sponsored extension programmes and contribute meaningfully to the agricultural sector. “Our youth must step forward and become the change-makers of rural development,” she stated.
MLA Lepcha also addressed public concerns regarding mental health, offering reassurance and practical guidance. She advised farmers to maintain an open mindset and to take full advantage of opportunities available under government initiatives. She further encouraged enrolment in crop insurance schemes and active participation in Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) to ensure financial resilience and collective growth.
Expressing heartfelt gratitude to the people of the
Senior Scientist and Head of KVK East Sikkim, Dr Prakash Sharma outlined the objectives of the VKSA, highlighting that it is conducted twice yearly before the Kharif and Rabi sowing seasons to provide timely, field-level guidance on enhancing crop production, soil health, and resource management. He emphasised the initiative’s role in fostering direct communication between scientists and farmers, with the goal of creating a sustainable, self-reliant farming ecosystem that supports the broader vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
During the programme, Additional Director and scheme-in-charge NFSM, Dr Pratap Subba addressed farmers’ queries related to agriculture, including challenges such as wildlife menace, crop loss, awareness and access to government schemes, crop insurance coverage, and adoption of sustainable farming practices.
Following this, Additional Director AH&VS Department, Anjala Pradhan briefed about various schemes of the AH&VS Department under the dairy and piggery sectors. She highlighted provisions related to livestock insurance, support for dairy farming infrastructure, piggery development schemes, and financial assistance available under different components. She also outlined the eligibility criteria, application process, and benefits of these schemes for farmers engaged in livestock rearing.
Deputy Director Horticulture Department and Nodal Officer for VKSA, Hissey Cheday Bhutia outlined the aim of the campaign: to share information on government schemes, create awareness among farmers on pre-kharif activities, promote sustainable farming practices, and facilitate direct interaction between farmers and scientists.
Agriculture Development Officer,
Tashi Gyamtso Bhutia briefed on the central and state government schemes of the Agriculture Department, including the soil health management scheme, PM-KISAN, PMFBY, NFSM, PMKSY, SMAM, MOVCD-NER, and Mukhyamantri Krishi Atmanirbhar Yojana.
Similarly, Horticulture Development Officer, Menuka Rai outlined the schemes of the Horticulture Department under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture, NBM, MOVCD-NER, and MMKANY.
Assistant Director Fisheries Department, Gauri Mukhia provided insights into various schemes of the Fisheries Department under PMMSY, including the establishment of trout fish hatcheries, live fish vending centres, construction of trout raceways, promotion of recreational fisheries, backyard ornamental fish rearing units, and provision of live fish transport vehicles. She also explained the unit costs of each component and the application procedures.
The programme witnessed the participation of 120 progressive farmers from Latuk Chochenpheri GPU and 140 from Linkey Parakha GPU.
The programme also included an interactive session between farmers, scientists, and officers, where they discussed agricultural challenges and exchanged valuable insights.
The outreach campaign will continue until June 12, covering various GPUs across the district.
Also present were Veterinary Officer, Dr Kamal Rai; and Scientist ICAR-NRC Orchids, Dr Nikhila Vaagdevi, Panchayat members, officials from various departments, and progressive farmers.(As per Communique from DIO Pakyong)
