Campaign on Poshan Vatika and International Year of Millet 2021 observed at Namthang South Sikkim

Namchi,17th September : A day-long programme was organized at KVK Namthang South Sikkim focussing on Nutri Garden under the National Campaign on Poshan Vatika and Plantation Programme in which the participants comprised of Anganwadi and ASHA workers, Kanyas, farmers and Extention functionaries of line department.The programme was graced by  Bimal Kharel, OSD RMDD as the chief guest. He was accompanied by Laxmun Tamang, CDPO(Social Justice and Welfare Department).At the onset of the programme, the guest visited the display of the different millet based value added food products wherein   Karma Peden Bhutia, Subject Specialist (Agriculture Extension) spoke on to create awareness of Millets for the International Year of Millet 2023 followed by virtual programme of the address by   Narendra Singh Tomar,  Union Minister of A&FW.Senior Scientist and Head KVK South Sikkim   I.P. Shivakoti welcomed the guest and gave a brief highlight of the programme and the work done by KVK.During the programme, lectures through PowerPoint was done by   Yangchenla Bhutia, Subject Specialist (Horticulture)- She expressed the importance of Nutri Garden for diet diversification and bio- fortified varities.Laxuman Tamang CDPO Social Justice and Welfare Department spoke about the timeline of Poshan Abhiyan, women and child related health care and the initiative taken by the department. Kesang Diki Bhutia MLHP spoke about the role of Nutrition and its importance related to women, maternal and child health.During the programme, Nutri-garden seed were also distributed to the participants.The chief guest of the programme highlighted on the health benefits of millets and its Nutritional value. He urged the farmers to take more interest in millet farming, as it is nutritious and contains many health benefits.The programme concluded with a plantation drive at KVK farm.Press Release from the office of KVK, Namthang