Awareness cum Distribution Program of 11 Namchi-Singhithang

Namchi, 10th March (IPR): An awareness cum distribution program and a comprehensive credit camp under the development through credit organized by Department of Agriculture, Horticulture, AH&VS, Directorate of Fisheries in collaboration with State Bank of India was held at the auditorium hall of South District Zilla Panchayat Bawan, today.
Minister of Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Departments Mr. Lok Nath Sharma graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Present amongst others were Chairman’s Mr. Phurden Lepcha, Mr. Tashi Dorjee Tamang, Mr. G. T. Bhutia, Chairperson Namchi Municipal Council Mr. Ganesh Rai, Upadhakshyay Mr. Bhim Lakhey, Secretary Agriculture Department Mr. Rinzing Chewang Bhutia and other Officials from the organizing department.
Addressing the gathering Minister Mr. Lok Nath congratulated the recipient of the various appliance and urged them to utilize these products to its fullest capacity. He also highlighted how the State Government has always supported the farming communities of the state thereby strengthening the farming sector and enriching the lives of the public at large. He also spoke on the farming industry which is multi-dimension in nature wherein the farmers can explore the various kinds of farming ranging from agricultural, livestock, fisheries, horticulture and others. He also encouraged the youths to adopt a smart and modern technology with regards to farming sector and collectively dedicate towards building a state in which farming is the highest employable revenue generating domain.
The Minister also spoke about the various central governments schemes shaped to facilitate the farmers namely that of Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana and many more. With regards to Sikkim he spoke about the new initiatives that the State Government has adopted specifically in areas such as National Bamboo Mission, augmention of fisheries sector in the state, Dairy Farming which currently he said is at Rs. 40 per litres and soon to be introduced agricultural drone spray for aerial spraying purpose covering one acre of cultivated land. He also encouraged the public especially of urban areas to adopt terrace or rooftop gardening as it has long term advantages. He further articulated that the State Government is working closely with the banking institutions located in the state so that seed money or funds can be convinently given for anyone aiming to be a farmer in order to make farming profitable and farmers self-reliant.
Regarding, the recent case of Porcine reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), a viral disease affecting domestic pigs, the Minister said that an advisory has already been issued from the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department temporary prohibiting the entry of swine and pork into the state as a case has been detected from Burtuk, East Sikkim. He informed that the officials from the department are monitoring the situation and advised the farmers to be vigilant.
Speaking, during the programme Director (Fisheries) Mr. N. Jaswant Singh also highlighted about the key initiatives of the fisheries department like Trout farming, Ornamental fish culture, Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana and other schemes meant to boost the fisheries sector and its farmers.
The programme also saw distribution of cheques under Development Through Credit (AH/ Agriculture and Horticulture) alongwith token to a host of beneficiaries. Power Tillers, Chaff Cutters, Brush Cutters, Power Sprays, Lilium Bulbs, Poly Pipes, Pulverizer, Green House, On Farm Collection Centre and various others agricultural amenities on behalf of the department was also provided to the assignees.