Date:04/07/2009 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/07/04/stories/2009070451881700.htm

Back Sikkim move to develop horticulture, floriculture sectors

Sarikah Atreya

Gangtok, July 3 The Sikkim Chief Minister, Mr Pawan Chamling, has directed the State agriculture department to develop horticulture and floriculture sectors as an attractive income generation.

The department must restore the pride of agriculture by wooing back the youths towards agriculture, said the Chief Minister during a review meeting with the State agriculture Minister, Mr Dawcho Lepcha, and the department officials at the Secretariat here.

Urging the department, Minister and officials to display commitment towards the agriculture sector, Mr Chamling said agriculture is the most supreme profession and will never be outdated. Hence, the need of the hour is that we must give industry frame to this sector by initiating inspiring and promotional missions, he said.

Training to farmers

The Chief Minister also directed the department to giving value addition and vermi-culture training to the farmers in the State and also to make arrangements for marketing the produce of farmers. He sought a draft from the department within a month in this regard, the release says.

“We must first ensure production and then set up market system,” Mr Chamling said.

He also underlined the need for production of seeds within the State and for use of every inch of arable land for agricultural purposes.

Primary importance must be given for market management for selling the farmers’ produce, said Mr Chamling.

He also directed that the management to involve Sikkim State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation Ltd (SIMFED).

The Chief Minister also directed the department to restore back the image of Sikkim as a major producer of large cardamom in the world.