Governor, Union Agriculture minister inaugurate new infrastructures at Bermiok College of Horticulture

NAMCHI, (IPR): The new Administrative and Academic Building, along with other facilities of the College of Horticulture, Central Agricultural University (Imphal), Bermiok, Temi, was officially inaugurated today. The inauguration was also held in conjunction with the Annual Zonal Workshop 2025 of KrishiVigyanKendras (KVKs) of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by the Governor of Sikkim, Om Prakash Mathur, as the chief guest. The ceremony was also virtually joined by the Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan; and had the presence of the Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare BhagirathChoudhary; the Minister of Agriculture, Government of Sikkim Puran Kumar Gurung; Area MLA Temi-Namphing BS Panth, Vice-Chancellor Central Agricultural University, Imphal Dr Anupam Mishra; Director, ICAR-ATARI, Zone VI, Guwahati Dr G Kadirvel; Dean COH, Bermiok, Dr AK Pandey; SP Namchi Karma GyamtsoBhutia, ADC NamchiSubashGhimiray; Additional Director (Horticulture, Namchi) DikendraBhujel; Additional Director (Agriculture, Pakyong) TsheringChophelBhutia, along with other official of Agriculture and Horticulture Departments, Senior officials from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Central Agricultural University, Scientists from KVKs, faculties, staff and students of College of Horticulture Bermiok, at large.

At the onset of the programme, the Governor Om Prakash Mathur inaugurated the Narendra Boys Hostel and Kangchenjunga Girls Hostel of the College of Horticulture, Bermiok.

This was followed by the virtual inauguration of the new Administrative and Academic Building of the institute by the Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Addressing the gathering, the Governor Mathur underlined the importance of educational and research institutions in advancing agricultural productivity and ensuring self-reliance. He encouraged the students, faculty and the primer agricultural institute like KVKs to focus on practical innovations that address the unique challenges faced by farmers in hilly and difficult terrains. He stated that institutes such as these, being established in the North East, reflect the vision of “Ashtalakshmi” under the noble leadership of the Prime Minister of India NarendraModi, to propel economic development in the region.

He further remarked that Sikkim has carved a distinct identity with its diverse and rich flora-fauna, agro-climatic conditions, organic farming practices, and unique produce such as large cardamom, orange etc which hold significant potential for exports at the organic level.

The Governor then assured every possible support from his office and affirmed that he would act as a bridge between the State and the Centre to further strengthen agricultural and other development related to the State.

Drawing from his experience, he shared how progressive and innovative farming practices is and talked about various reforms and polices being implemented to ease and maximize the profits of farmers.

He recalled that India, which once faced food insecurity, now enjoys surplus production and has emerged as a global exporter of agricultural commodities. He further urged farmers, researchers, and institutions to continue working collectively towards enhancing productivity, ensuring sustainability, and improving farmers’ income. Further, he shared the goals of Vision 2047 (Viksit Bharat) and emphasized that, with advancements in technology across various fields, the people from all walks of life must work collectively to build the nation.

In his online address, the Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan extended his congratulations to the institute and the State of Sikkim on the establishment of new infrastructure, underscoring its significance for the wider community. He said the institute will open new opportunities for students and farmers in Sikkim and across the North-East. It will equip students not just with crop production skills, but also with practical knowledge in processing, packaging, marketing, and export.

He then praised Sikkim for its rich natural resources and outstanding organic farming practices, and reiterated the Government of India’s commitment to supporting farmers through measures that ensure fair prices, boost productivity, and improve livelihoods across all agricultural sectors.

He spoke about the harmful effects of excessive fertilizer use on soil health and sustainability, and encouraged farmers to embrace modern technologies, innovative practices, and skill development to strengthen agriculture, noting that nearly 40 percent of the population relies on farming. Appreciating the state’s initiatives in promoting value-added agricultural products, he concluded by expressing his eagerness to visit Sikkim soon and engage directly with the farming community.

Speaking at the event, Union Minister of State BhagirathChoudhary said that the farming community are the “Anna Data”, the cornerstone of food supply, working tirelessly to feed the nation. He highlighted that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, various measures have been undertaken to increase farmers’ incomes, including the enhancement of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for crops, PM-KisanSammanNidhi, and other welfare programmes. He cautioned farmers to protect soil health by avoiding use of fertilizers, recommending soil testing to identify deficiencies and promote organic farming practices, while also urging the adoption of scientific techniques to improve productivity. He further emphasized the critical role of KVKs and Farmers Producer Organizations (FPO) in supporting farmers with knowledge, guidance, and technological interventions.

Minister Agriculture PuranGurung appreciated the efforts of all stakeholders in improving the livelihoods of the farming community and highlighted the initiatives of the State Government. Talking about the critical role of KrishiVigyanKendras (KVKs) in every district of Sikkim, he put forth the establishment of new KVKs in Soreng and Pakyong districts to provide scientific support to farmers.

He also requested the Government of India to provide a special subsidy for Khaad (organic fertilizers) as part of a package to promote organic farming in the state. In addition, he urged that various other initiatives be considered by the Government to further strengthen the agricultural sector.

During the programme, the Welcome Address was delivered by Vice-Chancellor of Central Agricultural University, Imphal, Dr.Anupam Mishra, while the Vote of Thanks was presented by Dean, College of Horticulture, Dr AK Pandey.

The Governor, along with the distinguished guests, visited the Agri Exhibition 2025, where various products from FPOs, societies, the Spices Board of India , College of Agricultural Engineering & Post Harvest Technology Ranipool, KVKs, and the Departments of Horticulture and Agriculture, and many more were showcased.

The Governor also inaugurated the Annual Zonal Workshop 2025 of KVKs from Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and Sikkim. Following the inauguration, the technical sessions of the workshop commenced, bringing together experts and stakeholders to deliberate on advancements in agriculture.