Press Release
PRESS RELEASE FROM AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT NAMCHI DISTRICT
Information & Public Relations Department
Training Program on Seed Production Technology of Soybean Crop in Collaboration with FPOs of MOVCD-NER under NMOOP
Namchi, 24 April :
The Department of Agriculture, Government of Sikkim, in collaboration with Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) under the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER), successfully conducted a Training on Seed Production Technology of Soybean Crop to Value Chain Partners under the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMOOP).
The training was organized for farmers and stakeholders of Namchi District, with a focus on enhancing knowledge and skills in organic soybean seed production.
The program began with the traditional offering of khadas, followed by a welcome address by Miss Vaishnu Rai, Deputy Director (Agriculture). Key technical sessions included:
Dr. Nation Chamling (Dy. Director Agriculture), who presented on the seed production technology of soybean.
Miss Pratima Rai (Agriculture Inspector), who spoke about major diseases in soybean and their management.
Mr. Ritesh Rai (Seed Inspector), who gave a detailed talk on SAATHI (Seed Traceability, Authentication, and Holistic Inventory).
Mr. Wangyal Lepcha (Dy. Director Agriculture) shared insights on “Sikkim – Leading the Organic Revolution.”
Dr. Pratap Subba (Additional Director, FC Krishi Bhawan) emphasized the critical importance of using certified seeds in organic farming systems to ensure crop purity, uniformity, and productivity. He highlighted that certified seeds form the foundation of a successful organic value chain. Dr. Subba stressed that FPOs must now take proactive responsibility in producing organic seeds by strictly following proper seed production guidelines and maintaining documentation required for certification.
He assured that technical support will be extended by KVK (Krishi Vigyan Kendra) and ATMA (Agricultural Technology Management Agency) to guide and handhold FPOs throughout the seed production process. This collaborative approach will not only ensure quality seed availability within the state but also promote self-reliance among farmers while upholding Sikkim's organic identity.
Smt. Nirmala Moktan (Additional Director, Namchi) encouraged farmers to look beyond primary production and consider value addition through soybean-based products such as tofu, soy milk, and other processed items. She also reinforced the message that organic farming is not just a policy direction but the best choice for farmers, both in terms of income and long-term sustainability.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Smt. Meena Sharma (ADO Namthang). The event was effectively anchored by Mr. Florenz Bhutia (ADO Yangang) as the Master of Ceremonies.
This training marks an important milestone under NMOOP for Namchi District, reinforcing the state’s commitment to promoting organic farming, seed self-reliance, and value chain development through active participation of FPOs.
Namchi, 24 April :
The Department of Agriculture, Government of Sikkim, in collaboration with Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) under the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER), successfully conducted a Training on Seed Production Technology of Soybean Crop to Value Chain Partners under the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMOOP).
The training was organized for farmers and stakeholders of Namchi District, with a focus on enhancing knowledge and skills in organic soybean seed production.
The program began with the traditional offering of khadas, followed by a welcome address by Miss Vaishnu Rai, Deputy Director (Agriculture). Key technical sessions included:
Dr. Nation Chamling (Dy. Director Agriculture), who presented on the seed production technology of soybean.
Miss Pratima Rai (Agriculture Inspector), who spoke about major diseases in soybean and their management.
Mr. Ritesh Rai (Seed Inspector), who gave a detailed talk on SAATHI (Seed Traceability, Authentication, and Holistic Inventory).
Mr. Wangyal Lepcha (Dy. Director Agriculture) shared insights on “Sikkim – Leading the Organic Revolution.”
Dr. Pratap Subba (Additional Director, FC Krishi Bhawan) emphasized the critical importance of using certified seeds in organic farming systems to ensure crop purity, uniformity, and productivity. He highlighted that certified seeds form the foundation of a successful organic value chain. Dr. Subba stressed that FPOs must now take proactive responsibility in producing organic seeds by strictly following proper seed production guidelines and maintaining documentation required for certification.
He assured that technical support will be extended by KVK (Krishi Vigyan Kendra) and ATMA (Agricultural Technology Management Agency) to guide and handhold FPOs throughout the seed production process. This collaborative approach will not only ensure quality seed availability within the state but also promote self-reliance among farmers while upholding Sikkim's organic identity.
Smt. Nirmala Moktan (Additional Director, Namchi) encouraged farmers to look beyond primary production and consider value addition through soybean-based products such as tofu, soy milk, and other processed items. She also reinforced the message that organic farming is not just a policy direction but the best choice for farmers, both in terms of income and long-term sustainability.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Smt. Meena Sharma (ADO Namthang). The event was effectively anchored by Mr. Florenz Bhutia (ADO Yangang) as the Master of Ceremonies.
This training marks an important milestone under NMOOP for Namchi District, reinforcing the state’s commitment to promoting organic farming, seed self-reliance, and value chain development through active participation of FPOs.