Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur has called on agricultural scientists to focus on value addition of crops, especially large cardamom, to strengthen the state’s economy and farmers’ income.
Workshop on Agricultural Innovation
The Governor made these remarks while inaugurating a workshop organized by ICAR-Agricultural Technology Application Research Institute (ATARI), Zone VI, Guwahati, in collaboration with the Central Agricultural University (CAU), Imphal, at Namchi.
Emphasis on Drone Technology
Highlighting the role of modern farming techniques, Mathur stressed the importance of drone technology in agriculture. He said that the adoption of advanced tools can help farmers improve crop monitoring, reduce costs, and increase productivity.
Call for More Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)
Governor Mathur also advocated for setting up more Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) in Sikkim. He said that these centers play a vital role in knowledge transfer, training, and research, helping farmers adopt better practices.
Focus on Large Cardamom
Sikkim’s major cash crop, large cardamom, received special attention. Mathur urged scientists to work on processing, packaging, and branding, so that farmers can get higher returns in both domestic and international markets.