Pulwama: Governor Sikkim Visits IIKSTC Dussoo Pampore

Development of Farmer is the Development of Nation: Governor Sikkim Shri Ganga Prasad

Pampore, 13 July: Governor of Sikkim Ganga Prasad along with Minister for Agriculture, Horticulture Sikkim State Lok Nath Sharma, Vice Chancellor Sikkim University Professor Avinash Kharhe, Principal Director Horticulture Department Sikkim Sadan Kumar Tamang and a delegation of scientists, technical experts and farmers today visited India International National Kashmir Saffron Trading Center Dussoo Pampore.

The Governor visited different sections of the IIKSTC where he was briefed by the concerned officers about the different activities being carried out for the promotion of saffron sector.

The dignitaries inspected different stalls laid by the Agriculture department showcasing latest interventions and agriculture commodities.

Governor Ganga Prasad held an interaction section with the progressive saffron growers of the Pampore area. Speaking on the occasion Honble Governor highlighted the importance of working together between Jammu and Kashmir and Sikkim Agriculture Departments for the development of saffron sector in particular and agriculture in general.

He appreciated Director Agriculture Kashmir and his team for their commendable role in making saffron cultivation in Sikkim a reality.

He also impressed upon the delegation members of Sikkim to work in coordination with their counter parts from Jammu and Kashmir for the overall development of Agriculture sector.

Pertinent to mention in a first of its kind move, to boost the growth of Agriculture and Horticulture Sector, Agriculture Department of JK UT, Sikkim Government and Sikkim University signed a historic tripartite agreement for collaboration on training, technology, capacity building and extension activities for saffron and other temperate crops.

Minister for Agriculture Sikkim Lok Nath Sharma also addressed the session. He said that Agriculture is the priority sector for the present Central Government. He asked the participants to work for the development of Agriculture sector in the mission mode.

Earlier, Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary) AP&FWD Atal Dulloo gave a detailed overview of various interventions and programs that are being implemented by the UT Government for the Promotion of Saffron crop and overall development of Agriculture Sector.

Vice Chancellor Sikkim University Professor Avinash Khare also expressed his views during the event. He gave a detailed description of different activities that are being adopted by the farmers of Sikkim for the cultivation of saffron crop.

Meanwhile, Director Agriculture Kashmir Chowdhary Mohammad Iqbal welcomed the visiting dignitaries and assured the delegation that the department of Agriculture Kashmir will provide all technical as well as logistic support to Sikkim Agriculture Department for the propagation and development of saffron crop in the State.

Few Progressive saffron growers interacted with the fellow farmers and dignitaries during the event . They shared their experiences regarding saffron cultivation and its successful trading activities.

Director Horticulture Planning and Marketing J&K Vishesh Mahajan, MD JKHPMC Shafat Sultan, all Joint Directors of the Agriculture Department and other senior officers of Agriculture and allied sectors were present during the event.