Pawar interacts with Temi Tarku farmers

NAMCHI, 01 Dec: The Union Minister for Agriculture, Sharad Pawar, visited the country’s first organic tea estate, Temi Tea Estate, here at Temi Tarku, on Saturday. The Minister, accompanied by Governor Shriniwas Patil and Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, visited the tea factory and interacted with the staff of the Temi Tea Estate.
After visiting the Temi Tea Estate, Mr. Pawar also interacted with the progressive farmers of the area at Cherry Resort. During the interaction programme, the progressive farmers highlighted the problems of water scarcity in the area which hampers agriculture as well as other sectors. They informed that they have to depend solely on rainfall for agriculture and have no other alternative.
Mr. Pawar assured to discuss such problems at the Centre and added that these issues can be taken up under various government schemes like the Rashtriya Krishi Vigyan Yojana [RKVY]. However, he added that Sikkim is not getting enough funds under the RKVY scheme from the central government due to certain reasons, which he said will be looked into once he returns to New Delhi.
The Union Minister enquired about marketing of agricultural produce and the organic mission. He also urged the concerned officers to make an integrated effort towards post harvest management, marketing and food processing, by using funds under various central schemes in an innovative manner.
The programme was also attended by Minister, DN Tharkarpa, Minister, Niru Sewa, Area MLA, BS Panth, Chairman Tea Board, Gagan Rai, Adhakshya (S), CL Gurung, Upa Adhakshya, Devi Maya Baraily, Secretaries and officers from various departments.