Guwahati: In a significant step towards strengthening sustainable horticulture and floriculture practices, the Horticulture Block Office, Rhenock, organised a distribution programme under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) scheme on Friday.
The initiative focused on empowering farmers by providing them with essential horticultural tools and resources to boost productivity while supporting organic farming in line with Sikkim’s vision.
The programme was attended by Panchayat Presidents and Vice Presidents from the four Gram Panchayat Units (GPUs)—Rhenock, Tarpin, Sudunglakha, and Aritar. Distinguished guests included Shri S.K. Dungana, Block Development Officer (BDO) of Rhenock; Smt. Nirmala Kalikhoti, Panchayat President of Rhenock; Shri Sachit Subba, Panchayat President of Sudunglakha; Smt. Uma Chettri, Panchayat President of Tarpin; and Shri Kincho Tshering Bhutia, Vice President of Aritar.
The event was led by Smt. Keshori Devi Sharma, Horticulture Development Officer (HDO) of Rhenock, who explained the details of the MIDH scheme and its benefits. She also shared the latest directive from the Additional Director’s office, informing farmers that applications with required documents—such as Aadhaar, PAN, land records, Khasra/Khatoni details, photographs, bank details, and signatures—must be submitted for online registration in the MIDH Suraksha Portal to avail future benefits.
During the programme, a wide range of agricultural inputs were distributed to beneficiaries. These included protective materials like agro shed nets, UV films, anti-hail nets, and mulching sheets; horticultural tools such as secateurs, slicers, peelers, and pulverizers; spray machines; as well as bio-fungicides, bio-insecticides, and bio-pesticides. In addition, weed mats, assorted vegetable seeds, and organic manure were provided to encourage eco-friendly cultivation practices.
Addressing the gathering, Shri S.K. Dungana highlighted the importance of agriculture in sustaining livelihoods and urged farmers to adopt modern horticultural techniques for better outcomes. Smt. Nirmala Kalikhoti lauded the government’s initiatives in supporting grassroots farmers, while HDO Smt. Keshori Devi Sharma emphasised the need for close coordination between farmers and the department to maximise the scheme’s benefits.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from progressive farmers across all four GPUs, reflecting the farming community’s commitment to sustainable agricultural growth.
The MIDH distribution drive in Rhenock not only reinforces the government’s dedication to providing quality inputs to farmers but also strengthens Sikkim’s pioneering mission as India’s first organic state, promoting eco-friendly and sustainable agricultural advancement.