Block Farmers’ Advisory Committee and BTT formed at Ranka

GANGTOK, 29 July: An orientation cum co-ordination meeting was organised by Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA), East FS&AD Department at Gram Vikash Kendra (GVK), Ranka on Monday.
The meeting was chaired by Meera Rai (Panchayat President, Ranka GPU) and conducted by Safal Pandey [Block Technology Manager, Ranka Block].
A press release informs that the agenda of the meeting was the formation of Block Farmers’ Advisory Committee (BFAC) and Block Technology Team (BTT), 12 officials for BTT from different Departments, consisting of 25 Progressive Farmers from different wards and, under the block who are actively involved in Farming practices like agriculture, horticulture, fisheries, animal husbandry etc.
The committee will represent the respective village and assist the department in future to bring about development in the village. Phup Lhamu Bhutia (ADO Ranka) has been selected as convenor of BTT which provide sound Technical Guidance and any kind of assistance required as per the farmers’ interests. During the meeting , the Block Action Plan (BAP) was also prepared through the interaction between BFAC and BTT members, the release mentions.
Bina Rai (Dy. Project Director) spoke about the ATMA and  the role of BFAC and BTT for the progress and upliftment  of the farmers right from the grass root level. In addition, she explained about the various undergoing schemes of ATMA.
Scientist Bony Lepcha (KVK/ICAR) provided the technical support for the said programme. Maya Bhutia of Sajong, Rumtek and Chandra P Ghimiray of Salangthang, Ranka were elected by the  committee as the Chairman of BFAC for one year.
The meeting was attended by NT Bhutia (GVA, Ranka), Bina Rai (Deputy Project Director, FS&ADD), Panchayat Member Shree Prasad Pandey, Shriman Gurung, Pem Tshering Lepcha, officials from Agriculture, Horticulture, Fisheries and Animal husbandry, KVK/ICAR  and progressive farmers from various wards.