The Agriculture Management Technology Agency (ATMA) of Mangan District, in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) North Sikkim, organized a Kisan Gosthi cum Field Day on Indigenous Millet Cultivation at Phamtam village in the Kabi Block on August 26, 2025. The event was graced by the Honorable Advisor to the Health and Culture Department of the Government of Sikkim and Area MLA of Kabi Lungchok, Shri Thinlay Tshering Bhutia, who served as the Chief Guest.
Among the distinguished attendees was Shri Tshering Gyatso Lepcha, known as the Millet Man of Sikkim, along with his wife, Smt. Phurmit Lepcha, who participated as a special guest and resource person. The program also welcomed members of the Zilla Panchayat, local Panchayats, farmers, self-help groups (SHGs), as well as officials and field staff from both Agriculture and ATMA.
The event commenced with the traditional offering of khadas and bouquets to the Chief Guest and other notable guests. Shri Enchung Bhutia, the Joint Director of Agriculture and Project Director of ATMA, extended a warm welcome to all dignitaries, farmers, and SHGs in his opening remarks. He highlighted the objectives of the ATMA Scheme, particularly focusing on the significance of Kisan Gosthi.
Mrs. Meena Pradhan, Senior Agricultural Extension Specialist at KVK North Sikkim, elaborated on the initiatives undertaken by KVK in promoting, cultivating, and conserving millets within the district. She emphasized the potential for millet cultivation and detailed various conservation efforts by KVK in preserving indigenous varieties.
Shri Tshering Gyatso Lepcha provided a comprehensive lecture on the importance of millet cultivation, outlining both its nutritional and health benefits. He also discussed specific cultivation practices for three types of millet: Barnyard Millet, Foxtail Millet, and Little Millet. As part of his commitment to promoting indigenous millet cultivation, Mr. Lepcha donated 35,000 seedlings of these species from his own farm.
In his remarks, Shri Thinlay Tshering Bhutia praised the efforts of the departments in promoting and conserving indigenous millet cultivation within the district. He also commended the Millet Man of Sikkim for his advocacy in other areas of Sikkim. Bhutia encouraged farmers to adopt millet cultivation on a larger scale and suggested the establishment of Indigenous Millet Nurseries and Growers Groups.
Mrs. Lyangmit Lepcha, Agriculture Inspector from the Kabi Block, proposed the vote of thanks. Following the formal program, dignitaries and participants enthusiastically engaged in millet transplanting activities in the field.
The event was effectively organized by the BTM of Kabi Block and ATMA, with special thanks to Mrs. Norbu Dolma Bhutia.
Original Source: https://www.thesikkimchronicle.com/kisan-gosthi-on-indigenous-millet-cultivation-held-at-phamtam-village/
Category: Latest News,Gangtok,News from Sikkim,Sikkim,Sikkim News
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-08-27 02:12:00
