Sikkim welcomes saffron cultivation in its region

Guwahati: The aromatic saffron sets its fragrance over Sikkim. The Horticulture Department, Government of Sikkim, Sikkim University, and the Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, signed and exchanged a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the saffron cultivation in Srinagar, yesterday.

The MoU was signed in a high-level meeting graced by the Governor, Government of Sikkim Shri Ganga Prasad, Lieutenant Governor of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir Shri Manoj Sinha,  Minister Agriculture and Horticulture, Government of Sikkim Shri Lok Nath Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, Sikkim University, Prof. Avinash Khare and Chief Secretary, Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir Dr. AK Mehta at Civil Secretariat, Srinagar.

The programme also had the presence of senior officials from the Horticulture department Government of Sikkim, including Principal Director Shri Sadan Tamang,  Director Shri MK Subba, Director Shri PL Basnett, Additional Director Shri BL Dahal, Joint Director Shri Robin Gurung, and  Prof. Shanti Swarup Sharma, Prof. Laxuman Sharma, Prof. Niladri Bag and Dr. Santosh Kumar Rai from Sikkim University and HoDs from the Government of Jammu & Kashmir.

Governor, Shri Ganga Prasad, in his address, mentioned that the signing of the tripartite agreement would open new doors of opportunities and possibilities for Kesar cultivation in Sikkim, which will eventually be highly beneficial for both UT of Jammu & Kashmir and the State of Sikkim, besides strengthening the bilateral relations between the two states of the eastern and northern region of Indian Union.

He shared the strong political willpower and the commitment made by the  Chief Minister of Sikkim to take up all possible efforts to promote the production of saffron in the state of Sikkim.

He also advised undertaking comprehensive research work and productive measures in achieving expectations of Kesar cultivation in Sikkim. Governor reasserted his confidence to work further with the commitment made in MoU and stated that the agreement would be truly useful and invaluable for benefiting the farmers at large.

 Besides, he added that there should be more effort to strengthen the sectors of mutual interest. 

He also touched upon the strategic policy of the Union Government for the holistic development of Northeastern states.

 Governor Ganga Prasad expressed his heartiest gratitude to the Lieutenant Governor of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and all associates for their relentless efforts to touch new heights of success towards saffron cultivation in Sikkim.

The LG, J&K, Shri Manoj Sinha, remarked that the signing of MoU in the year of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav is historic and affirmed that the saffron mission would certainly be successful.

 Expressing his strong willpower, LG Sinha stated that favourable Kesar climatic regions like Lachung in Sikkim would be blessed with the fragrance of Kesar, like Pampore in Jammu and Kashmir.

He applauded the efforts being made by the state government in terms of resource sustainability, organic farming, and economic development. He further anticipated that the agreement would benefit both sides mutually.

He also touched upon the agricultural scenario in J&K, the productive potential of Kesar, floriculture, and fruit cultivation in Kashmir.

 Minister Agriculture and Horticulture, Govt. of Sikkim, Shri Lok Nath Sharma, marked the occasion of singing tripartite agreement very noteworthy and historic for the state of Sikkim.

The agreement has created hope and aspirations amongst Sikkimese farmers toward saffron cultivation.

 He acknowledged the contributions made by J&K and Sikkim University to see fruitful results in the pilot phase of saffron cultivation.

 He reaffirmed that the newly signed agreement would more effectively boost cordial relations and cooperation in the future course of action.

Minister Shri Lok Nath Sharma said that the state of J&K can be the only state with great potential to guide Sikkim in Kesar's cultivation.