Namchi (Sikkim), September 27: Governor Om Prakash Mathur on Friday called for a renewed focus on value addition of crops, particularly large cardamom, while underlining the growing role of drone technology in modern farming.
The Governor, speaking at the inaugural session of a regional agriculture workshop in Namchi, said strengthening post-harvest management and technology adoption would be key to boosting farmer incomes in the Himalayan state. He also pressed for the establishment of additional Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) to expand training and extension services.
Union Minister’s Vision For North East Agriculture
Addressing the gathering virtually, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of promoting natural and organic farming in the North East. He said technology-driven methods, combined with traditional practices, could make the region a model for sustainable agriculture.
Minister of State for Agriculture Bhagirath Choudhary, who attended in person, highlighted the importance of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) in transforming rural livelihoods. Sikkim Agriculture Minister Puran Kumar Gurung also advocated for two more KVKs in the state to enhance farmer outreach.
Workshop Focus: Region-Specific Strategies
The workshop, organised by ICAR-ATARI Zone VI, Guwahati, in collaboration with Central Agricultural University (CAU) Imphal, reviewed On-Farm Trials (OFTs) and Front-Line Demonstrations (FLDs). Experts emphasised region-specific strategies for Sikkim, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh to address local agricultural challenges.
Technology Showcase
Alongside the workshop, a technology exhibition displayed innovative farm tools, drone applications, and sustainable practices. Several new publications from KVKs under ICAR-ATARI Zone VI were also released. Technical sessions covered a wide spectrum including horticulture, livestock, fisheries, farm machinery, and natural resource management.
Why It Matters
Sikkim, known globally as the first fully organic state, is now pushing to align traditional farming strengths with cutting-edge technology. Officials said the integration of drones, improved value chains, and stronger farmer organisations could help the state set benchmarks in climate-resilient and high-value agriculture.