Sikkim: Farm School on pea production launched at Okhrey GPU

The Agriculture Department, through the Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Daramdin Block, Soreng District, has launched a Farm School on pea production at Okhrey. The initiative, focused on cultivating the HYV-ADVANTA GS 10 pea variety aims to empower local farmers with essential skills in modern farming techniques.

The event was graced by Panchayat Zilla Member P. Dorjee Sherpa, Panchayat President Lakpa Norbu Sherpa and Deputy Project Director of ATMA, Manish Pradhan. They were joined by the agriculture staff of Okhrey GPU and 24 participating farmers. The farm school has been set up on a 0.5-hectare plot of land at Okhrey GPU, which had remained fallow for the last four years. The land has now been ploughed and is being utilized for the demonstration of pea cultivation.

The program aims to educate farmers on all aspects of pea production, from sowing to harvesting, using innovative methods. It is designed as a Front-Line Demonstration targeting 24 local farmers, who will be provided with technical knowledge and hands-on experience throughout the cropping season.

Manish Pradhan, the Deputy Project Director of ATMA, highlighted the importance of farmer-oriented programs that aim to boost agricultural productivity in the region. He said that ATMA is committed to offering continuous support and guidance to local farmers, helping them adopt advanced agricultural practices.

Panchayat Zilla Member P. Dorjee Sherpa and Panchayat President Lakpa Norbu Sherpa stressed the need for active involvement from local farmers, the Gram Panchayat, and government employees in such initiatives. They acknowledged that collective efforts would help in achieving better agricultural outcomes for the community.