Gangtok, Nov 2 Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh on Monday reviewed the implementation of various Central government schemes in Sikkim’s Mangan district under the Poorvottar SETU initiative, stressing the need for effective execution and better coordination among departments to ensure benefits reach intended beneficiaries.
During the review meeting, Singh, the Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj, emphasised that government schemes must translate into tangible benefits for people, particularly farmers and those engaged in agriculture and allied sectors, a Sikkim government press statement said.
Singh, who is on a three-day visit to Sikkim, also announced that Soreng district had been identified as an organic cluster for fisheries, underlining the state’s potential to promote sustainable and organic practices in the sector.
The Union minister inspected exhibition stalls showcasing fish varieties, ornamental fish, fish products, dairy and animal husbandry products, besides locally grown organic vegetables, highlighting the diverse livelihood activities in the district.
As part of the programme, Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) were distributed to three fish farmers, while five beneficiaries received cheques under the Mukhya Mantri Matsya Uthpadhan Yojana (MMMUY), the statement said.
The meeting also saw the launch of several initiatives aimed at strengthening the state’s dairy and fisheries sectors and conserving indigenous livestock breeds.
The North Dairy Milk Union was launched at Mangan under White Revolution-II, while the Siri Cattle Conservation Programme was unveiled to promote and preserve the indigenous Siri cattle breed.
The foundation stone for a Siri Bull Mother Farm at Chuchachen in Pakyong district was also laid virtually, with the facility expected to support conservation and genetic improvement of the indigenous breed.
Another key initiative was the digital launch of the standard operating procedure (SOP) for organic fish farming in Sikkim. The Union minister also virtually inaugurated 12 beneficiary-oriented projects across Pakyong, Gyalshing, Soreng and Mangan districts under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
A documentary highlighting the implementation of PMMSY in Sikkim was screened during the meeting.
Officials from various departments made presentations on developmental initiatives and progress in Mangan district, covering health, education, roads and bridges, animal husbandry, fisheries and women and child development.
The presentation also highlighted the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP) and ongoing development interventions in border areas.
An interactive session with local farmers followed, during which they shared their experiences and raised concerns relating to agriculture and allied sectors.
The meeting was attended by Sikkim Fisheries Minister Puran Kumar Gurung, Social Welfare Minister Samdup Lepcha, MLA-cum-Advisor T T Bhutia, Zilla Panchayat representatives, senior officials of the Centre and state government, and heads of various departments.
The initiatives are expected to strengthen fisheries-based livelihoods, promote dairy development and support the conservation of Sikkim’s indigenous livestock resources.
(PTI News)
