Gangtok, February 24 (IPR): The Agriculture Department, Government of Sikkim, organised the Kisan Samman Samaroh in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) at SAMETI Hall, Agriculture Department, today.
The programme featured a live telecast of Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi releasing the 19th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme from Bhagalpur, Bihar, benefiting farmers across the country.
The programme was attended by Mr Balaram Adhikari, Adhyaksha Gangtok District, as the Chief Guest. Other officials present were Mr Rajen Thapa, Principal Director Agriculture Department, Mr Jagdish Pradhan, Director Agriculture Department, Mr Jeewan Chettri, Chief Engineer Agriculture Department, and Ms Rachna Gurung, Director, SAMETI, Agriculture Department.
Mr Balaram Adhikari, Chief Guest, in his address, commended the Agriculture Department for organising the programme. He urged farmers to contribute to the agriculture sector and make full use of financial aid and schemes provided by the central and state governments for traditional and advanced farming.
The Chief Guest spoke about the marketing of agricultural produce and stated that the state government and relevant departments would support this. He encouraged farmers to use land efficiently and avoid keeping it barren.
He discussed the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), a crop insurance scheme that protects farmers from financial losses due to natural disasters, pests and diseases. He urged farmers to enrol in the scheme to secure their livelihoods.
Mr Balaram Adhikari encouraged farmers to work with agricultural officials to implement schemes and adopt modern techniques. He reiterated the state government's commitment to supporting sustainable farming.
Mr Rajen Thapa spoke about the PM-KISAN scheme and its role in supporting farmers. He explained that each eligible farmer will receive ₹2,000 in this instalment as part of the ₹6,000 annual support. He said the direct benefit transfer (DBT) system ensures that farmers receive funds in their bank accounts without intermediaries. He encouraged unregistered farmers to enrol in the scheme. He stated that the event aimed to inform farmers about government schemes and improve agricultural practices.
Mr Jeewan Chettri spoke about the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM), which promotes modern farming equipment to improve productivity. He highlighted financial assistance and subsidies available for tractors, power tillers and other equipment, helping farmers reduce labour costs and improve efficiency. He urged farmers to adopt mechanisation for better crop management and consult agricultural officials to avail of the scheme.
Mr Jagdish Pradhan discussed government schemes for sustainable farming, highlighting Krishi Unnati, which promotes modern farming, mechanisation and climate-resilient techniques. He also elaborated on the Rashtriya Krishi Vigyan Yojana (RKVY), which supports agricultural research through KVKs. He addressed soil health, emphasising the importance of balanced fertilisation, organic farming and scientific soil management.
He referred to the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation (SMAM), which advances modern farming techniques and mechanisation to enhance productivity. Additionally, he explained the Rainfed Area Development (RAD) – Cluster Approach, which supports integrated farming in rainfed areas. He underscored the role of agroforestry in improving soil fertility, biodiversity and climate resilience.
Ms Rachana Gurung stated that PM-KISAN provides financial aid to small and marginal farmers. She said only farmers with cultivable land are eligible, while institutional landholders, government employees and business holders are not included. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring financial assistance reaches farmers. She stated that the PM-KISAN programme is organised in each block of all six districts.
Dr Prakash Sharma, PC KVK, spoke about the economic impact of PM-KISAN in providing financial stability to small and marginal farmers. He encouraged farmers to use the funds to improve farming. He spoke about organic farming in Sikkim, India’s first fully organic state. He explained its benefits, including improved soil health and eco-friendly practices. He encouraged farmers to adopt organic methods and spoke about the need for government support and market access.
After the telecast, a District-Level Mela and Farmers-Scientist Interaction took place. Experts addressed farmers' concerns and provided information about government schemes.
Tokens were distributed to the following beneficiaries.
SEED Money
Timpyem SHG – Ranka
Guras SHG – Rakdong-Tintek
Rose SHG – Khamdong Block
Pulveriser Machine: Mr Kumar Tamang (Rawtey-Rumtek)
The Chief Guest visited stalls set up by SHGs. Awards were given to the following SHG groups.
Pema Mitho SHG – Chongay-Nandok
Shad Bhawana SHG – Rakdong-Tintek
Also present were Ms Chenzom Palmu Lepcha, Additional Director (Soil) Agriculture Department, representatives from KVK, officials, officers and staff from the Agriculture Department and farmers.
The programme concluded with the facilitation of agricultural officials and progressive farmers for their contributions. The Word of Thanks was delivered by Ms Sambedhna Pradhan, Agriculture Inspector Agriculture Department.
Earlier, the Welcome Address was delivered by Ms Susmita Lama Tamang, Deputy Director Agriculture Department.