Gyalshing, May 31, (IPR): The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA), an important initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, is making significant strides in the Gyalshing and Soreng districts of Sikkim. On its third day, the campaign showcased impactful activities in Gelling-Baiguney and Samsing-Pipaley in Soreng, as well as in Arithang-Chongrang and Thingling in Gyalshing.
VKSA’s primary goal is to connect agricultural research with practical farming, translating scientific knowledge directly to farmers. Teams of scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), alongside experts from NRC Orchid and other agricultural departments, are conducting field visits. They provide vital information on modern agricultural practices focusing on crop diversification, soil health management, and sustainable farming techniques.
Running from May 29 to June 12, 2025, this nationwide campaign aims to engage over 1.3 crore farmers across more than 65,000 villages in 723 districts. In Sikkim, the initiative has garnered enthusiasm, with a strong push towards enhancing the agricultural sector through scientific methods and farmer education.
At the Arithang-Chongrang program, Panchayat President Ganga Maya Chettri attended, along with local Panchayat members and progressive farmers. Senior Scientist and Head Bhison Pradhan welcomed the attendees and emphasized the objectives of VKSA. Additional Director of Agriculture Karma Sherpa raised awareness about various schemes, including PMKSY and PM-KISAN.
Sherpa also addressed disease management in oranges. NRC Orchid scientist Dr. SS Biswas discussed the different varieties of orchids in Sikkim and the mission of NRC Orchid. Deputy Director of Horticulture Penzomla Bhutia highlighted various horticultural schemes and issues like fruit drop in oranges. Veterinary officer Dr. Pranisha Chettri spoke about cow insurance and the vaccination of cows and goats. Assistant Director of Fisheries Lahang Limboo presented schemes such as GIAS. Rubina Gurung from Future Generali provided details on the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), including its registration process and required documents for crop insurance.
Panchayat President Chettri expressed gratitude to the departments for the awareness program and requested more mulching material for dalley khorsani, a crucial horticultural crop in the region.
The similar program at Thingling was executed by the same team, featuring KVK scientist Bijay Biswakarma as coordinator, supported by Agromet observer Ms. Aruna Chettri and assistant Lakpa Bhutia.
Additionally, a team dispatched to Gelling-Baiguney and Samsing-Pipaley included NRC Orchid scientists Dr. Chandan Godwa, Additional Director of Agriculture Pranay Gurung, Deputy Director of Horticulture Rita Sunwar, Veterinary Officer Dr. Sharin Gurung, and Fisheries Block Officer Deepa Sharma. They addressed the gathering regarding specific departmental roles and the importance of these initiatives for farmer benefit.
The coordinating team from KVK Gyalshing, which included scientists JP Dulal and Dr. Ranjit Subba as coordinators, along with training assistant Phurba Diki Sherpa and assistants Malum Dhoj Subba, Kamal Chettri, and Biswadeep Limboo, played a vital role in the program’s success.
Report: IPR Department
Original Source: https://www.thesikkimchronicle.com/viksit-krishi-sankalp-abhiyan-advances-in-gyalshing-and-soreng-districts/
Category: Sikkim,Trending,Gangtok,News from Sikkim,Sikkim News
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Publish Date: 2025-06-01 10:12:00
