Special talk held on Sikkim-Nepal corridor & prospects of traditional crops

KUNAL RAI

GANGTOK : The Doctorate Association of Sikkim (DAS) held a special talk on exploring the Sikkim-Nepal corridor via Chewabhanjyang and prospects of traditional crops of Sikkim at Chintan Bhawan here today.
Renowned economist Prof. Mahendra P. Lama spoke on the ‘Exploring Sikkim-Nepal Corridor: Unveiling Perspectives via Chewabhanjyang Pass’, highlighting the strategic importance of the Sikkim-Nepal corridor through Chewabhanjyang and its potential for tourism, business and trade between the two nations.
The Sikkim government is pressing for developing the Chewabhanjyang border in West Sikkim as a trade and tourism corridor between Sikkim and Eastern Nepal.
In his talk, Prof. Lama shed light on the challenges and potential solutions associated with the development and utilization of the corridor including infrastructure development, regulatory frameworks, and community engagement.
He sought for encouraging dialogue among the stakeholders like government officials, local communities, business representatives and tourism experts to foster collaboration and generate innovative ideas for sustainable development along the Sikkim-Nepal corridor.
Prof. Lama is also the chief economic advisor to the Sikkim government.
The talk on ‘conservation and promotion of traditional crops: prospects in Sikkim’ was delivered by Prof. Laxuman Sharma, Sikkim Khangchendzonga State University Vice Chancellor. His talk focused on exploring the agriculture perspectives in Sikkim as potential livelihood options, particularly focusing on natural farming.
Prof. Sharma highlighted Sikkim’s status as a natural farming State in India and its unique approach to sustainable agricultural practices. He spoke on exploring the diverse agricultural opportunities in Sikkim, including organic farming, horticulture, floriculture, and medicinal plants.
He provided his insights on the agriculture sector as a livelihood source for the youths of Sikkim, including entrepreneurship, rural employment, and skill development. He encouraged knowledge exchange and collaborations between the farmers, agricultural experts, researchers, and policy makers to promote innovation, knowledge dissemination, and the adoption of best practices in agriculture.
Prof. Sharma highlighted the role of government policies, support systems, and funding opportunities in facilitating the growth and diversification of the agricultural sector in Sikkim.
Education minister KN Lepcha was the chief guest for the event with Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba as the guest of honour.
Addressing the gathering, the Education minister stressed on the need for Sikkim to develop and expand its resources, while limiting its dependency on the Centre. We need to explore numerous avenues and opportunities so that Sikkim can be self-reliant to some extent, he said.
Lepcha maintained that the State government under the leadership of Chief Minister PS Golay has been making all efforts to strengthen the economic and financial stability of the people and to develop Sikkim. He called for support and cooperation from all for the holistic development of Sikkim.
Lepcha lauded the talks delivered at the event. We must not limit to talks alone but strive to replicate the ideas into a reality with an aim to make Sikkim self-reliant, he said. He also appreciated the works taken up by the DAS.
The Education minister congratulated the DAS for availing the multidisciplinary research and training centre as announced by the Chief Minister. The demands submitted by the DAS would be placed before the Chief Minister, he assured.
On the occasion, the Doctorate Association of Sikkim shared their happiness on the Chief Minister’s announcement for establishing the Sikkim Multidisciplinary Research and Training Institute at the under-construction Gyan Mandir here.
Golay had announced the centre while addressing a public programme on Friday at Bermoik, West Sikkim.
DAS president Neeraj Adhikari shared that the DAS had submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister for an institute considering the problems of the researchers. We express our sincere gratitude to the Chief Minister and the State government for considering our demand, he said. The institute will engage the students undergoing higher education and even develop research activities in Sikkim, he said.
It was informed that DAS is a State-registered association and has over 250 members at present.
Adhikari said that the DAS, in its memorandum, has requested the State government to include more courses like mass communication in the Sikkim Khangchendzonga State University. Another demand is that the Sikkimese students doing PhD are extended a one-time grant when they go for field visits at national or international levels as there are many students who cannot afford such expenses, he said.
We have also requested a national or international seminar where the scholars can present their papers, said the DAS president.