Sikkim: Farmers in Soreng district benefit from modern irrigation systems under PMKSY-PDMC scheme

The Agriculture Department of Soreng District held an Awareness and Distribution Programme on the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)-PDMC 2024-2025 Phase II under the Zoom Cluster, aimed at promoting modern irrigation techniques among farmers. The initiative is focused on micro-irrigation systems as a means to diversify and improve farm productivity year-round.

The programme, which was designed to educate farmers on the advantages of modern irrigation, was graced by MLA of Salghari Zoom Constituency, Madan Cintury. As the Chief Guest, Cintury spoke about the importance of irrigated farming for sustainable agriculture and encouraged farmers to make the best use of the facilities available to them. "Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and with modern irrigation systems, we can ensure year-round farming, enhancing both yield and efficiency," he said during the event.

Among the other distinguished guests were Honourable Zilla Upadhyaksha of Soreng Zilla, Chandra Bir Sashankar, Zilla Panchayat Member of Zoom Territorial Constituency, Khagendra Rai, Honourable Panchayat President of Zoom GPU, Samir Rai as well as officials from the Agriculture and Forest Departments, including Deputy Director of Agriculture, Manish Pradhan.

During the session, Pradhan shared the success of the PMKSY-PDMC scheme, highlighting that 197 beneficiaries from the Zoom cluster would receive the installation of micro-irrigation systems in their agricultural fields. Additionally, 8 tanks, each with a 10,000-litre capacity, were provided as part of the scheme’s support to ensure efficient water use.

The Deputy Director also explained how micro-irrigation systems help in optimizing water usage and improving crop productivity by ensuring a steady supply of water, especially in dry seasons.