Gyalshing,May31, (IPR): The Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan (VKSA), a flagship initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, is actively progressing in the Gyalshing and Soreng districts of Sikkim. On its third day today, the campaign witnessed significant activities in Gelling-Baiguney and Samsing-Pipaley under Soreng district, as well as in Arithang-Chongrang and Thingling under Gyalshing district.
VKSA aims to bridge the gap between agricultural research and practical farming by bringing scientific knowledge directly to the farmers’ fields. Teams comprising scientists from Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), along with other dignitaries from NRC Orchid, Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries departments as resource persons, are conducting field visits to disseminate information on modern agricultural practices. These sessions focus on various aspects, including crop diversification, soil health management, and the adoption of sustainable farming techniques.
The campaign, scheduled from May 29 to June 12, 2025, is a nationwide effort targeting over 65,000 villages across 723 districts, with the objective of directly engaging more than 1.3 crore farmers. In Sikkim, the initiative has been met with enthusiasm, advancing its agricultural sector through scientific intervention and farmer education.
The programme at Arithang-Chongrang was graced by the Panchayat President Ganga Maya Chettri and was attended by Panchayat members and the progressive farmers.
Sr. Scientist & Head Bhison Pradhan welcomed the gathering and highlighted the role of KVK and the objectives of VKSA. Additional Director Agriculture Karma Sherpa delivered an awareness on various schemes such as PMKSY, PM_KISAN etc. to the farmers.
He also discussed the disease management in orange. Scientist from NRC orchid Dr SS Biswas emphasised on varieties of orchid found in Sikkim, mission and mandate of NRC orchid. Dy. Director Horticulture Penzomla Bhutia highlighted on various schemes under horticulture department and problems of fruit drop in orange. Veterinary officer Dr Pranisha Chettri highlighted on cow insurance and vaccination of cows and goats against various diseases. Assistant Director Fisheries department Lahang limboo highlighted various schemes like GIAS under its department. Rubina Gurung from Future Generali briefed on PMFBY, its registration process and document required for crop insurance.
Panchayat President Chettri thanked the departments for initiating the awareness programme and requested to provide more mulching material for dalley khorsani as dalley is the major horticultural crop grown in the area.
The programme at Thingling was carried out by the same team including Scientist of KVK Bijay Biswakarma as coordinator, Agromet observer Ms Aruna Chettri and Mr Lakpa Bhutia as Assistants.
Further, team deputed for Gelling-Baiguney and Samsing-Pipaley consisting of Scientists of NRC orchid Dr Chandan Godwa, Additional Director Agriculture Pranay Gurung, Dy. Director Horticulture Rita Sunwar, Veterinary Officer Dr Sharin Gurung, Block Officer Fisheries department. Deepa Sharma, addressed the gathering in percept of specific departmental role, schemes and awareness to be provided for the benefit of the farmers.
The coordinating team of KVK Gyalshing comprising of scientists JP Dulal and Dr Ranjit Subba as a coordinators, Training Assistant Phurba Diki Sherpa, Malum Dhoj Subba, Kamal Chettri and Biswadeep Limboo as assistants played active role for success of the programme.
Report: IPR Department
