Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur on Friday emphasized the importance of value addition in agriculture, particularly for high-value crops like large cardamom, and highlighted the growing role of drone technology in modern farming. Speaking at a workshop organized by the ICAR–Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Zone VI, Guwahati, in collaboration with Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, Mathur urged scientists and researchers to focus on enhancing crop quality and income for farmers through innovative technologies. The workshop, attended by senior officials and agriculture experts, also underlined the need to expand Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in Sikkim. These centers serve as critical hubs for farmer training, technology dissemination, and capacity building. Governor Mathur noted that additional KVKs would strengthen outreach and help farmers adopt modern techniques more effectively.
Addressing the program virtually, Union Agriculture Minister Shivaraj Singh Chouhan stressed the importance of natural and organic farming, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for agriculture in the North East. Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Bhagirath Choudhary highlighted the role of Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs) in improving livelihoods and boosting farmer incomes. Sikkim Agriculture Minister Puran Kumar Gurung called for the establishment of two new KVKs in the state, emphasizing that these centers would bridge gaps in training, technology adoption, and extension services. The workshop also reviewed agricultural technologies, On-Farm Trials (OFTs), and Front-Line Demonstrations (FLDs), recommending region-specific strategies for Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim. A technology exhibition showcased innovative tools, techniques, and flagship products, while publications released by KVKs under ICAR-ATARI Zone VI offered valuable insights for researchers and farmers alike.
Technical sessions featured experts in horticulture, agriculture, livestock, fisheries, farm machinery, natural resource management, and secondary agriculture, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration. Discussions stressed the integration of drone applications, precision farming, and organic practices to enhance productivity, sustainability, and farmer profitability in the North East.