Two-day Kishan Mela at Saramsa inaugurated

SAGAR CHHETRI
GANGTOK, 27 Feb: Farmers from different parts of East Sikkim exhibited their produce at the Kishan Mela 2012, which was inaugurated by the Speaker, KT Gyaltsen at Saramsa Garden today. A total of 304 farmers have exhibited their horticulture, floriculture and other crops in this two-day programme, organized by the Horticulture and Cash Crops Development Department [H&CCDD], East District.
The Speaker accompanied by the Horticulture and Agriculture Minister, DN Takarpa, Namcheybong MLA, BB Rai, Zilla Adhyaksha [East], Bimal Dawari and Horticulture and Agriculture Secretary, Vishal Chauhan inspected the various stalls of the exhibition and interacted with the farmers.
In his inaugural address, the Speaker mentioned that this programme was a platform for the farmer fraternity to showcase their produce and to learn new knowledge and technology. He further added that such programmes would also encourage the youth in this sector. He urged the department to bring students to such programmes to show the produce of the state and it would also help them to gain knowledge.
The Speaker also spoke on the lack of interest in agriculture amongst the youth and added that the resulting rural to urban migration is an important issue. On the same, he urged the farmer fraternity to think over the issue seriously and stressed on bringing about a positive change in the mindset of the people. He also mentioned that the concerned departments should also provide counseling and all required support to farmers.
Minister, Mr Takarpa encouraged farmers to replace the traditional way of farming by modern technology to increase their produce. The Minister stated that the government has introduced programmes to promote low volume high value crops which would help farmers to earn more from less land.
The Secretary pointed out that there is large market for horticulture and floriculture products in and outside the state and the department is working hard to encourage people to adopt these sectors. He also highlighted that organic products have more demand and fetch high prices in the world market and called for people’s support in the Sikkim Organic Mission.
In his welcome address, Principal Director [Horticulture], DK Rai spoke on the various ongoing programmes and schemes of the departments in these sectors.