Programme on Short-Term Research cum Design on Jalkund-Based Fish & Vegetable Integrated Farming and Saturation of PM-KISAN & PMFBY at Salghari Ward, Pakyong District. Pakyong, 19th May: A comprehensive awareness-cum-demonstration programme on Short-Term Research cum Design on Jalkund-Based Fish and Vegetable Integrated Farming and Saturation of PM-KISAN and PMFBY was successfully conducted at Salghari Ward under the technical support of ICAR-KVK and organised by ATMA Pakyong. The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries including Hon’ble Zilla Panchayat Smt. Babita Gadaily, Hon’ble Panchayat Shri C.P. Chettri, Additional Director cum Project Director Shri Tshering Chophel Bhutia, Deputy Director cum Dy Project Director Smt. Rebecca Gurung, Subject Matter Specialists from KVK – Dr. Boniface Lepcha and Dr. Smruti Ranjan Padhan, HDO Smt. Keshori Devi Sharma, Branch Manager of Bank of India Shri Nima Lama, CSC representatives, field functionaries, and local farmers. As part of the initiative, two Jalkunds were successfully established in the fields of Man Maya Chettri of Salghari Ward and Krishna Dahal of Lower Tarpin under the expert guidance of ICAR-KVK scientists. These installations demonstrate the viability of integrated farming by combining water conservation, fishery, and vegetable cultivation in a sustainable model. The programme was coordinated by Shri Amit Chettri, ATM Rhenock. Smt. Rebecca Gurung, Dy Director cum Dy Project Director, ATMA, addressed the gathering, elaborating on the objectives of ATMA, the role of KVK, and the significance of the short-term research model on Jalkund. She emphasized the PM-KISAN saturation drive and encouraged farmers to enrol in the PMFBY scheme for crop insurance. Dr. Boniface Lepcha, SMS KVK, provided technical details on Jalkund specifications, their benefits for irrigation and integrated farming, and shared expert advice on tackling local agricultural challenges like fruit drop in Dalley Chilli and rhizome rot in ginger. He also explained the advantages of mulching in farming. Dr. Smruti Ranjan Padhan, SMS KVK, reiterated the importance of proper irrigation management and discussed how Jalkund systems can significantly enhance water availability for farming activities. Shri Nima Lama, Branch Manager, Bank of India, Rangpo, spoke on the availability of KCC loans, financial support for farmers, and shared insights on PMFBY and PM-KISAN. He urged farmers to utilize financial schemes effectively and explained the scale of finance and credit facilities. Shri Tshering Chophel Bhutia, Additional Director cum Project Director, ATMA, provided an overview of ATMA’s activities and departmental schemes. He stressed that Jalkund is one of the most cost-effective and impactful technologies for sustainable farming. He also acknowledged the efforts of farm women, progressive farmers, and SHGs recognized by ATMA for their exemplary work in agriculture, encouraging continued innovation and commitment. In her keynote address, Smt. Babita Gadaily, Hon’ble Zilla Panchayat, called upon all farmers to proactively engage with the Agriculture and Horticulture Department and make optimal use of the resources and schemes available for their upliftment. The programme concluded on a positive note, encouraging the farming community to adopt integrated and sustainable farming techniques and to actively participate in national agricultural schemes for holistic rural development.