Sikkim Forester Awarded Veitch Memorial Medal

KC Pradhan

Gangtok, July 4 (PTI) Sikkim Forester K C Pradhan, who has also served Sikkim as its chief secretary, will be the first Indian and the third Asian to receive the prestigious Veitch Memorial Medal of the Royal Horticulture Society of the United Kingdom.The name of Pradhan for this year's VMM along with three others was announced at the annual general meeting of the RHS on July one.Pradhan is being awarded "for his important role in developing the flower growing industry in India," a RHS release said here.The award, which will be presented by Princess Alexandra today at the Hampton Court Palace Premiere Flower Show, the largest flower show in the world, it said.The VMM is a prestigious prize issued annually by the Royal Horticulture Society to persons of any nationality who have made an outstanding contribution to the advancement and improvement of science and practice of horticulture.Pradhan will, however, not be able to travel to England and the Medal will be received on his behalf by a nominee of the president of the RHS, it said.The VMM was instituted in 1870 in memory of James Veitch of Chelsea in UK.The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK's foremost gardening charity and is more than two centuries old. PTI

Tourists throng Sikkim to see unique rhododendron flowers

Barsey (Sikkim), May 15(ANI): With the onset of summer season, tourists are thronging Sikkim to see rhododendron flowers sanctuary situated in Barsey area of the state.

During March to May, various species of rhododendron flowers flourish in the sanctuary.

The locals believe that these flowers contribute in the natural beauty of the state and also help in promoting tourism in the region.

"I think tracking and others would contribute in promoting Sikkim tourism. As in Sikkim, there are many such places, which are very beautiful, which are very good for everything like rhododendron flowers, all are beautiful and they attract all the foreign tourists or even all the local tourists as well," said Rakesh Rai, a local.

The tourists also praised the scenic beauty of the sanctuary blessed with various species of rhododendron flowers.

"The demand of this flower is high. Its growth is also good. The season of these flowers attracts tourists in the valley," said Ashok Mukherjee, a tourist from West Bengal.

Sikkim is renowned as the treasure trove of the rhododendron flowers.

About 36 species of the flowers are found in the region, which is 72 percent of the total varieties available in the country.

Foreign delegates pat for green care in Sikkim

Gangtok, April 30: Foreign delegates who participated in an international seminar on Rhododendron Conservation and Sustainable Use held here yesterday lauded the Sikkim government for its efforts in protecting the state’s bio-diversity.

Experts from Germany, Holland, Sweden and Bhutan are here to participate in the Rhododenron Festival being organised by the state government this month.
“In Europe, we have rhododendrons cultivated for collections and parks but here in Sikkim, the plant’s various species are found in the wild and in their natural form,” Wolfgang Spethmann from Germany said. Spethmann is a researcher in woody plants like rhododendrons.
“It was a nice trip to Yumthang Valley. We saw more than a dozen species of the plant in bloom; the flowering was excellent and it was a wonderful sight. It is good to see that they are protected in the wild,” said Spethmann.
Lau Trass, who is a member of the Dutch Rhododendron Society, said it is always a wonderful experience for Europeans to see rhododendrons in bloom in their natural habitat.
“There is a special support from the Sikkim government for the conservation of rhododendrons and it makes the state one of the central places in the world where one can see and study different species of the rhododendron growing in their natural best,” said Trass.
Rebacca Pradhan from the Royal Society for Protection of Nature in Bhutan said bio-diversity conservation programmes in Sikkim would be successful, as the government itself was committed towards the environment.

Sikkim chief minister Pawan Chamling, while inaugurating the seminar yesterday, said the state had over 30 per cent of its total area protected under environment rules.

“I feel that the conservation of the rhododendron within the natural habitat is the best approach. The state government has been successful in maintaining the natural habitation of the floral species,” said Chamling.
The chief minister also pointed out that the Khangchenjungha Biosphere Reserve and seven other wildlife sanctuaries have rhododendrons in their pristine state.

Two of them, the Singba and the Barsey sanctuaries are fully devoted to the conservation of one of the most beautiful wild genetic resource, the rhododendron, he said.

“My endeavour has been to promote a balanced growth in Sikkim by duly preserving everything in nature and bringing in the best practices of modern development instruments available in the world. This also means bringing in a paradigm shift in people’s mindset and way of life to harness the natural resources in a sustainable manner,” said Chamling.

Rhodo’ ‘dendron’ of Sikkim

Rhodo’ ‘dendron’, Greek for ‘Rose’ ‘Tree’, perhaps the most flamboyant of Sikkim’s flowers, blooms in festive bunches right during peak tourist season, tempting even locals to go off on picnics. The 36 species in Sikkim from the State Tree to the tiny shrubby ‘Sunpati’ at higher altitude have many subspecies, varieties and forms. See evolution at work with species naturally hybridizing; and adding to their aesthetic value are other uses in medicine and even beverages. And who would believe our Rhodos are invasive in some parts of the world where they were once introduced as garden plants!? Besides now with changing climate it’s any day now when Songru Pandi (Utis) finally catches up with Kemo Reep (Lali Gurans) for good! Rhododendrons in this series are dedicated to the Sikkim International Rhodofest 2010 and found in and around all Wildlife Protected Areas (WLPAs) of Sikkim, especially Shingba & Barsey Rhododendron Sanctuaries
check out http://www.sikkimrhododendrons2010.com/

Floriculture business blooms in Sikkim

Gangtok, Oct 6- ANI: The climatic advantage coupled with highly educated workforce gives Sikkim a definite advantage in floriculture, and realizing the potential the State Government is assisting farmers through various training programs and facilities.

Sikkim is famous for its lush green plantations, and it is reaping good profits in the floriculture business.

Home to over 26 per cent of the country's biodiversity with exquisite species in flora and fauna, the State has been successful in promoting floriculture.

We provide training to the farmers. After the training we provide them with planting materials such as seeds and we also provide them with the infrastructure required to farm flowers in a large scales basis by providing them green house facilities and the required demonstration is also given to them, said K. K Singh, Special Director of Department of Horticulture.

Realizing the potential and investment opportunities in this sector, the department has also given subsidies for marketing and transport facilities to local farmers.

The Government has given us encouragement, as the weather here is suitable. The Government initially gave us 500 saplings for trial basis. It was first given to 10 families, now we have 62 families in this plot. They have even helped us technically, said Laxmi Rai, a farmer.

To promote Sikkim at the international level, an international show is also held in the state.

At present, Sikkim is producing cut flowers, which includes roses, Lilium and Anthurium on a commercial scale.

Sikkim is the only state in the country which produces high value cymbidium orchids. It has also been designated as the agriculture export zone with particular emphasis on production and export of large cardamom, ginger and cherry pepper.
- ANI

SIMFED training for the lillium growers

GANGTOK, October 4: The Sikkim State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation Limited (SIMFED) had organized two days training for the lillium growers under its contractual farming programme in Namchi, Rumtek, Simkhadka and Basilakha on September 30 and October 1.

In the programme, different company represented as the trainers were VWS, Holand, Green Erath (Organic fertilizer producing company), Ahmedabad, Himalayan Florica (Marketing Company), New Delhi, informs a press release.

John Brass, who represented VWS Company trained the participating growers. VWS, it is informed is one of the successful flower bulbs producer in Holand and pioneer in exporting flower bulbs in almost all countries along with India.

Providing the training Mr. Brass told about the bed preparation for lillium plantation, planting of bulbs and watering. He said the climatic condition of Sikkim is suitable for lillium plants. At the same time, he opined that the farmers needs proper knowledge regarding the lillium plantation as well more labour in this field

Mr. Lahari, Director, Green Earth highlighted on the topic like diseases in different plants, its sufferings and its protection, fertilization etc while Neeraj Chhetri, Proprietor, Himalayan Florica trained the farmers about the quality production of the flower, packaging and marketing. According to him Sikkim flower lacks in quality, packaging which is the great drawback in getting right prices in different markets of India. The competition in flower market enhances trouble in supplying the low quality products so that the growers need to work hard in this, Mr. Chhetri said.

The training took place under the supervision of DGM, SIMFED, Kailash Rai, the release said adding that the farmers from different areas of Sikkim benefited from it.

Simfed is also planning to provide more training programme for the farmers during harvesting time in December, especially to encourage and support farmers for their economic upliftment.
Besides flowers, Simfed has its contractual farming programme in fruits and vegetables

International Rhododendron Festival 2010 in Sikkim

GANGTOK, October 4: The State Forest Department has proposed to hold a meeting of the International Rhododendron Festival Committee on October 7 and 8 in Shingba Rhododendron Sanctuary, Lachung, North Sikkim to discuss various issues related to the festival.
According to an official release, the meeting will also discuss on the ways to bring out the programme with grand success followed by site visit to inspect and asses the progress of various ongoing work components for the festival.
The meeting will be attended by Hissey Lachungpa, the Political Advisor to the Chief Minister, State Forest Minister Bhim Dhungel, State Power Minister SG Lepcha, State PHE Minister Thinley Tshering Bhutia and MLA Lachen Mangan Constituency Tshering Wangdi Lepcha.
After the meeting, the dignitaries will attend the valedictory function of Wildlife week celebration 2009 at Phuni, said the release.
It may be added here that the State Government has accorded in principle approval for launching of IRF 2010 at Lachung, Thangu and Barsey in North and West Sikkim from May 3 to 20, 2010. The project proposals for different works components fro IRF 2010 have been already submitted to the Ministry of Tourism and DoNER, GOI for seeking approval and sanction.

19 new species of flora and fauna discovered in Sikkim

Gangtok, Sept 4 (PTI) Sikkim continued to maintain its pole position as the country's richest state in terms of bio-diversity with 19 new species of flora and fauna being found in the state in last 10 years, World Wildlife Foundation (WWF) said in a report.

Of the 353 species of flora and fauna discovered in the eastern Himalayan range between 1998 and 2008, Sikkim has generated 19 species comprising plants and fish, the WWF said in its report.

The WWF surveyors also discovered 21 new species of orchids in the range of which five have been found in Sikkim, the report said.

The new variety orchid - coelogune pantlingii (pure white) - has been found in several parts of Sikkim, it said adding of 14 fish varieties found Sikkim has contributed three varieties - Pseudopoda abnormis, Pseudopoda hingstoni and Pseudopoda minor.

Training programme on Commercial Cultivation of Cymbidium in Sikkim

PAKYONG, Aug 9: A three-day long training programme on ‘Commercial Cultivation of Cymbidium’ started here at the National Research Centre for Orchids (ICAR), Pakyong, today.
The programme is being jointly organized by NRC for Orchids, Pakyong and the HCCD Department, Government of Sikkim.
The training was conducted for the capacity building and transfer of technology to farmers and SHGs of Ranka, Tintek, Rabdong and Luing Changrang closely associated with the cultivation of Cymbidium.
The inauguration of the programme, held at the Training hall, NRCO was attended by Dawcho Lepcha, Minister of FS & Agriculture & Horticulture & Irrigation and Flood control, as the Chief Guest. Other dignitaries present were BB Rai, MLA, Namchepong constituency, KK Singh, Director, HCCD, DK Bhandari, Joint Director, HCCD department, Dr. RP Medhi, Director, NRCO, Dr. LC De, Principal Scientist & Course Coordinator, NRCO, Dr. D Barman, Senior Scientist & Training Coordinator, NRCO and other scientific personnel from NRC for Orchids and HCCD Department.
In his welcome address, the Director NRCO mentioned that Sikkim is highly conducive for growth of Cymbidium and more people should come forward with large scale cultivation schemes. The NRCO, Pakyong is ever ready to assist people with human expertise (scientists) and supply of planting materials, he said. The director also talked about the working of various government schemes and urged people to come forward with ideas for effective and sound implementation of these schemes. He said that the State Horticulture department after scrutiny would be financially supporting 300 farmers from the State with such schemes.
Congratulated the Director, NRCO and his team for their initiative towards such capacity building programmes, Minister Lepcha said that the participants of the programme should gain through practical know-how and use this for economic upliftment through intelligent investments.
Namchepong MLA, Mr. Rai, in his opening remarks said that the State Government has supported smooth running of various developmental schemes and people should work very hard to gain maximum benefits these schemes.

International flower festival 2008 @ Sikkim

Gangtok 16 Nov: International Flower festival will be organized in Sikkim in 2008 and the cash prizes will be given to the winners, Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling while addressing the newly elected panchayats at Samman Bhavan here declared on November 15. He urged the members of Panchayat to make conscious of the importance of flowers among the growers and floriculturists of the States and make the the proposed international flower festival 2008 a grand success. He also urged to develop the quality of growing flowers and take mass participation by the floriculturists and farmers in this noble endeavor and profession. Chief Minister has already directed to the concerned department to make all the necessary arrangements and complete the taske byl the month of February 2008 for the grand international show. He also said that the Government is actively looking for the global market and broaden the scope of the products. He also said that the right message to the people must reach that the flower cultivation or growing is a noble profession which can be rewarded suitably. To boost the initiative, Chief Minister Dr. Chamling added that there will be an open competition for wild orchids and the cash prizes for first, second and third winners would be Rs. 1.50 lakhs, Rs. 1 lakhs and fifty thousand respectively. Three best stall too would be awarded with Cash prize Rs. 2 lakhs, 1.50 lakhs and 75 thousands, he further declared. In the national level, the prizes carries the cash amount of Rs. 3 lakhs, Rs. 2 lakhs and Rs. 1 lakhs for the winners in first, second and third positions respectively. Similarly, in the international level, the prizes carries the cash amount of Rs. 5 lakhs, Rs. 3 lakhs and Rs. 2 lakhs respectively

Sikkim in talks with foreign players for floriculture hub

PUNE: If things go well, then Sikkim, the Himalayan mountain state strategically located along the border with China, could get foreign investment in its floriculture industry. The state government is in talks with the Orchid Growers’ Society of Thailand to sign an MoU, under which training will be imparted for various aspects of the floriculture industry, ranging from plant material supply to the marketing of the produce. Although Sikkim, has been trying to promote its floriculture industry, there was no major progress. Despite being declared the Agri Export Zone for orchids in 2002, the state sent a meagre 1,000 cut flowers to test markets in the Netherlands, last year. It expects to export one lakh cut flowers by March 2008, focusing on Dubai, which is the nearest market. With 80% literacy, coupled with an unemployment rate that is higher than the national average, the state thinks that floriculture could be the panacea for solving its socio-economic problems. “Because of the high literacy in the state, the propagation of technology use required in the floriculture industry will be easier. In addition, the white collar touch associated with this sector should attract the educated unemployed,” said R Telang, secretary, horticulture and cash crop development department, Sikkim. But the real force behind the industry will be the women workforce in the state, added Mr Telang. Thailand is emerging as the leader in the export of orchids. The proposed MoU, will cover training, transfer of technology, supply of planting material and most importantly the marketing of the flowers. “The inputs in marketing would be most crucial,” said Mr Telang. However, the Orchid Growers’ Society of Thailand is still considering the proposal. Apart from inviting foreign investment, the state government is already in the process of funding three export oriented projects, of which two are for cymbidium orchids and one for anthurium. The state is also organising an international flower show in March next year. The geographical location of Sikkim, which allows it to do away with artificial temperature controls for growing flowers, is expected to give it production cost advantage over other orchid growing nations like Holland and Australia. The production cycle advantage could also prove helpful to the state. Traditional orchid suppliers in the international market cannot produce during months of extreme cold, whereas the production season in Sikkim is November-March.

NAMCHI MAHOTSAV STARTS FESTIVAL TIME FOR SIKKIM

NAMCHI, October 27: Come November 1 and Namchi will revel in the 4th Namchi Mahotsav, a tourism and cultural festival of the year.
This is one festival which brings the district together and preparations are going on in full swing.
The three-day festival will feature a number of events like Flower Shows, Traditional Food Plaza, Cultural Shows, Musical nights, Trekking to nearby places, Handicrafts and many rural and fun sports.
The festival will also include Under 14 fashion show for different ethnic groups of the State.
With the main objective of promoting tourism in Namchi and its peripheral areas, the festival has focussed in the State’s rich cultural and traditional presentations and food plazas for the last four years.
Most importantly, the Chrysanthemum Flower Competition, which will be held here at Gandhi Park, is an added attraction to the festival. This is also clubbed as a part of the preparation for the International Flower Show next year. The entire state is participating in this competition, along with participants from Mirik, Darjeeling, Kalimpong and other surrounding places, the organisers said. The prizes for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd are Rs 30,000, Rs 20,000, and Rs 10,000 respectively while the five consolation prizes include Rs 1,000 each. Cash prizes are sponsored by Mainam Garden.
Besides, various ethnic cultural presentations, artists from the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC) will present a number of items. A Veteran’s musical night will also be organised keeping in mind the need to provide platform to the upcoming talents of Namchi.
Eager organisers and residents believe that the tourist turn-out would be better this year. “We are eagerly waiting for the festival,” a group of youth said.
Chief Minister Pawan Chamling will inaugurate the festival at Baichung Stadium on November 1. He will also inaugurate the Flower Show at Gandhi Park on the same day.

Flower fest in Sikkim

Gangtok, Oct. 12: The town will host an international flower festival in March 2008, said chief minister Dr.Pawan Chamling, as part of his government’s efforts to develop Sikkim as a floriculture state.
“Flower-producing countries from all over the world will participate,” Dr.Chamling told reporters in Gangtok. “The festival will feature exotic varieties of flowers, orchids and other plants of Sikkim. We are trying to get the President, Prathiba Patil, to inaugurate the event.”
The festival is timed when the hill state will be in full bloom with its wide array of flowers, including more than 450 species of orchids, around 150 varieties of gladioli and over 40 types of rhododendrons, along with a variety of magnolias.
Dr.Chamling said his government is working on developing Sikkim as a floriculture state.
“Tourism in the state will get another dimension if it is linked with floriculture,” he said.
“We are involving a larger number of people in the floriculture business,” the chief minister added. “Besides helping those who are into production, we are also providing aid to people in allied trades. We have recently started a course in bouquet-making too.”
Festivals, Dr.Chamling said, are one of the ways of making Sikkim a happening place for tourists.
“We have a festival every two months,” he said. “We will be organising more — related to food, culture and lives of the people — in future. After all, the uniqueness of Sikkim lies not just in its natural beauty, but also in its life and people.”
The Sikkim chief minister said his government is keen on promoting private investment in the tourism sector.

FLORICULTURE ADVISOR ASSAULTED IN NAMCHI

NAMCHI, October 7: An Advisor to the Government of Sikkim on Floriculture, Dr. MM Dawn was assaulted by unknown person here at one of the hotels here yesterday.
According to information received, Dr. Dawn was inside his hotel room when the attack took place. Around 9 pm, he felt a blow in his head above his eyebrow.
The SP South, GK Verma stated that the victim himself was inebriated when the attack took place and does not remember anything. When the investigating officer of the case reached the spot, Dr. Dawn was not in the condition to give any statements. It is assumed that he might have bad mouthed someone who in turn responded with the blow.
According to the Police, the victim has suffered simple injury above the eyebrow and after the first aid, he is presently at Siliguri for CT scan. The Police is waiting for the arrival of the medical report of the victim and will act accordingly, it is learnthi.

International Flora Expo 2007 Award For Sikkim Pavilion

GANGTOK, Sept. 17: Sikkim bagged the best pavilion award in Cymbidium Orchid in the International Flora Expo 2007 held at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi recently. Sikkim is known as the Kingdom of Orchid.“We feel proud of Sikkim's achievement and we have realised that it has a bright future in floriculture” said Mr Somnath Poudyal, the state minister for Agriculture and Horticulture. “We also want that Sikkim should be in the forefront in floriculture and the government is focusing on organic farming," Mr Poudyal added. Uttarkhand and Himachal Pradesh have also bagged best floral awardJapan, Korea and Africa also participated in the show. Sikkim's main focus was on cymbidium orchids, rose, alstroemeria, anthurium and lilium. “We have distributed 5,00,000 seedlings in all the villages. Now we are focusing on marketing strategies,” said Mr Poudyal. We had already bought our outlet centre from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) in New Delhi, and by the next month it would be ready to showcase our flowers,” he added.The mega event had a large number of floriculturists, flower importers and exporters, traders, investors, scientists and researchers who participated whole heartedly. “There were around 200 stalls, which included some big global players and a host of floriculture related product manufacturers,” said Mr Poudyal. “We are already focusing on quality planting materials, and we are importing flowers from Korea and Thailand for it. So now, we are looking forward to the foreign companies for investment, he added. “This is indeed a new milestone towards becoming a floriculture state in the country. We are planning for international flower show in March, next year” Mr Poudyal said. “We have already invited buyers and investors for the show and have planned to have workshop on it," he added.

3RD INTERNATIONAL FLORA EXPO INAUGURATED

LARGE SCOPE FOR GROWTH IN FLORICULTURE: UNION AGRICULTURE MINISTER

The floriculture industry has vast potential for generating income and employment and enhancing export earnings and this sector is growing at a fast pace, helped by recent initiatives launched by the Government. Stating this at the inauguration of the 3rd International Flora Expo here today, Agriculture Minister Shri Sharad pawar mentioned the contribution of National Horticulture Mission launched last year and the Technology Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture in the North Eastern States in 2001-02. During the last two years, nearly Rs. 68 crore has been resulting to the states for expansion of area under flower cultivation, resulting in about 22,000 hectares of additional area coming under floriculture production. Centres for organized floriculture have emerged in many parts of the country, including Bangalore, Pune and Nasik. Mizoram, Meghalaya and Sikkim have entered export and domestic markets in this field. The domestic market of flowers and ornamental plants fetches nearly Rs. 10,000 million for cultivators, the Minister informed. Since there is no organized market for flowers at present, the increasing popularity of retail markets, particularly of perishables, is likely to provide a fillip to the domestic floriculture industry. Setting up of six Agri Export Zones for floriculture, besides a large number of flower clusters under NHM, is expected to provide further impetus to the domestic and international trade of floriculture products in the coming years, Shri Pawar said. Delineating the growth of floriculture exports, the Minister said that flower exports have recorded a robust growth from Rs. 188 million in 1993-94 to over Rs. 4000 million in 2006-07 and now India’s share in floriculture export is about 2% of the total agri-export basket. Our fresh flowers are reaching about 87 countries with a significant share going to countries like Australia, UK, Japan, Netherlands and UAE. During the last ten years, there has been an exponential growth in the earning through the marketing of floriculture products, both in the domestic and international markets. This has been achieved despite stiff competition from many of the flower exporting countries and high domestic freight charges on floriculture products. The Minister also invited entrepreneurs from other countries to take advantage of the government’s policies and take up commercial ventures in floriculture in India. He said that liberalization of industrial and trade policies has paved the way for export-oriented production of cut flowers. Besides, since 2006, the Government has permitted 100% Foreign Direct Investment in the floriculture sector.

Solve The Mystery Of Red Flowers

1. Can you guess the name of this red flower? It has a long name of ten letters!

2. Some kinds of this flower are grown for their ornamental bark and leaves and there are over a 1000 species, and most of them have showy flower displays!

3. It includes the plants known to gardeners as azaleas.

4. Some kinds of this plant also grow very tall, ten to 15 cms and make gorgeous trees like the one in the picture.

5 This plant is extremely toxic to horses, with some animals dying within a few hours of ingesting the plant, although most horses tend to avoid it if they have access to good forage.

6. Some more varieties are also poisonous to grazing animals. People too have become ill from eating honey made by bees feeding on these flowers.

7.Greek soldiers consumed honey in a village surrounded by these flowers. They started to behave very oddly! It was discovered that these flowers have a laxative and a hallucinogenic effect!

8. One of this species is named after President Roosevelt!

9.These flowers have not been found in South America or Africa.

10. The highest species diversity is found in the Sino-Himalayan mountains from central Nepal and Sikkim east to Yunnan and Sichuan, with other significant areas of diversity in the mountains of Indo-China, Korea, Japan and Taiwan. In addition, there are a significant number of tropical species from southeast Asia to northern Australia, with 55 known species in Borneo and 164 in New Guinea.

11. The rose and the tree figure in its name. In India it grows only in cold places and hill stations etc.

12. Can you guess the name of this gorgeous red flower?

Sikkim eyes horticulture promotion

GANGTOK: Banking on the state’s potential in the sector, Sikkim has chalked out various plans to promote horticulture in the state. As part of this, district-level co-operative societies and an ad hoc state-level producers’ apex cooperative body for marketing various horticultural products have been set up. A decision to this effect was taken at a state-level growers’ meeting for horticultural producers organised by the department of horticulture and cash crops development. The meeting deliberated in detail the ways and means to get best deal for farmers, and also addressed problems and issues faced by them. Sikkim had always set an exemplary standard in agriculture and farming, which needed to be given even more impetus in order to meet the challenges of current market demands. Despite good production, the marketing of horticultural products in the state has not come up to expectation. The apex committee will focus on bringing new and innovative ideas for a solid marketing strategy outside of the State. The farmers were also advised to ensure quality production. The point was also made at the meeting that despite quality horticulture produce, farmers often incurred huge losses due to lack of proper marketing. According to the farmers, there were times when they had to sell their produce at almost zero profit. The need for cold storage facilities, setting up of outlets to market the produce within the state and outside it, and the need for a wider marketing network were also discussed at the meeting. The Sikkim government has set up a Rs 4-crore facility in the Greater Kailash area of New Delhi, with facilities such as cold storage rooms and a marketing outlet. However, the facility had not been able to function as expected and was running at a loss. It was decided that the facility in New Delhi would be leased out to a private organisation.

The Horticulture Growers Meet @ Gangtok

Programme to stress on flori-culture and special crop patterns

Gangtok: The Horticulture Growers Meet was held today at ChintanBhawan under the banner of department of horticulture, government of Sikkim to discuss plans to form an 'Apex Co-Operative Society for marketing various horticulture produce of Sikkim.The meet is Chaired by agriculture minister Shri Somnath Paudyal.

The imminent personalities in horticulture and floriculture Smt. Tika Maya Chamling grace the occasion as Chief guest while Shri K.C.Pradhan as special guest attended the Meet along with Secretary agriculture R.Telang,IAS.

It was informed more than 5000 groups involving 50000 families are now actively engaged in field of this specialized agriculture in state.

The Sikkim horticulture and cash crops development department has become the first government agency to implement the state self-reliance mission undertaken by the government. The department has started conducting training sessions across the state to augment human resource.

“The objective of the programme is to develop skilled, competitive, versatile and technically competent manpower. It will also enable them to harness potential opportunities for attaining self-sufficiency and contribute towards effective resource management and policy decisions,” said Somnath Poudyal, the horticulture and cash crops development minister. The training programme initiated there included construction of green houses and its management, pest management and technology.

The training will cover 18 agriculture disciplines with emphasis on floriculture, off-season vegetables and protected cultivation. This capacity development exercise will stress on effective utilisation of natural resource focusing on production of “high value-low volume” crops and switch to non-traditional cropping patterns.
In order to make this capacity development programme a success, officials in the rank of additional director have been designated as nodal officers in each subdivision.
To drive home the importance of this initiative and popularise the schemes, people — youths, entrepreneurs and farmers — who have completed this training exercise will be given preference in government benefits and schemes.

Secretary R.Telang called upon gathering to get involved also in ancillary activities like cold-storage, scientific produce packaging as well as need to further augment easy financial loans from banking sector in state in field of horticulture and floriculture.

Government of India to help Sikkim agriculture

GANGTOK, Aug 3: The Indian Council for Agriculture Research, a Central government unit, would be spending about Rs 230 million for a mega agriculture project to boost crop productivity in the North-Eastern states including Sikkim. “The project is called the National Agriculture Research Project,” Dr SB Nachand, one of the directors of ICAR said over telephone from Barapani in Shillong. “This is a Central project and we have no control over it,” said Mr R Telang, secretary of the state agriculture department. “But we would be providing them with technical support,” he added. According to the ICAR official, the scheme would be implemented in five years’ time and involve an expenditure of Rs 22.41 million. “The Centre has also sanctioned an additional amount of Rs 2.38 billion for the Imphal-based Central Agriculture University for research work,” the director, said. Not all state government officials are aware of the project involving the North-east including Sikkim.“Since the meeting was held in Shillong, I am not aware of the project but when it comes to agriculture and horticulture, Sikkim is naturally interested in the two aspects and would therefore take active interest,” said Mr Somnath Poudyal, Sikkim minister for agriculture and horticulture. He added that Sikkim and its farmers would benefit out of the project.