Gangtok: February 2, 2012

“Wonderful work in Horticulture Sector” is the final comment made by S.K. Singla, Additional Commissioner from Govt. of India on a three day official visit to Sikkim. He was in the State from 30^th January to 1^st February, 2012 to inspect developmental works undertaken in horticulture sector implemented through the scheme Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States. Singla visited different govt. farms and establishments including Mazitar horticulture farm, Bermiok farm, Cymbidium Development centre at Rumtek, Model Floriculture Centre located at Maniram and the joint venture establishments of anthurium and cymbidium. Also visited were floriculture units, vegetable farms and fruit plantations under private sector at different places in East and South districts.

In the government farms and establishments, he was shown plots wherein demonstration of emerging concepts in horticulture like high density orcharding and canopy management systems in addition to proven technology including drip irrigation system, greenhouse technology, multi-tier system of plantation, etc are conducted for the benefit of farmers. He was quite impressed with the collection of germplasm materials in govt. farms / centres and the progress of activities being undertaken like tissue culture production of cymbidium orchids and orange seedling production in hi-tech greenhouse facilities.

The private sector units visited include cymbidium clusters at Assam Lingzey and Ramaram, vegetable production farm maintained by two women SHGs at Assam Lingzey, lilium plantation at Tangzi and plantation of fruits like orange, peach and guava at Khamdong. While interacting with farmers at different places, he advised the farmers to sincerely follow instructions and recommendations made by the departmental experts. He further suggested converging MNREGA scheme with horticulture activities to leverage farm output. In addition to these, he observed that the amount of publicity is not matching with the achievement and hence wider publicity to highlight the good work done in horticulture be organized in coming days.

 

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