Awareness-cum-Capacity Building Programme on Agriculture and Horticulture Crop Export Held in Soreng
Soreng, August 25: A One Day Awareness-cum-Capacity Building Programme on Agriculture and Horticulture Crop Export was successfully organised for Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), Farmer Producer Companies (FPCs), entrepreneurs and progressive farmers of Mangalbaria Sub-Division on 25th August 2026 at Mangalbaria BAC hall, Soreng District, Sikkim, an Aspirational District.
The programme was organised by the Agriculture Department, Soreng District, Sikkim, in collaboration with the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), with the objective of creating awareness among farmers and FPO/FPC members about export opportunities, market linkages, export procedures, and various institutional support mechanisms available for promoting agricultural and horticultural products in domestic as well as international markets.
90 Participants, District Officials in Attendance
A total of 90 participants, comprising representatives of FPOs, FPCs, entrepreneurs, and individual progressive farmers, actively participated in the programme. The programme was attended by Mr A. B. Rai, Joint Director of Agriculture, and Mr Manish Pradhan, Deputy Director of Agriculture, representing the District Administration, and Mr Kincho Palden Tamang, Inspector (DIC).
APEDA on Export Procedures, RCMC and the LIFT Scheme
During the technical session, Dr Saju Adhikary from APEDA delivered a detailed presentation on the role and activities of APEDA, export opportunities for agricultural and horticultural commodities, the overall export procedure, documentation requirements, and RCMC (Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate) registration. He also highlighted the LIFT Scheme and explained how farmers, FPOs/FPCs, and other stakeholders can benefit from available support for strengthening their export-oriented activities.
PMEGP and Banking Support Sessions
The programme also featured a session by Mr Narendra Dhakad, Senior Executive, KVIC, who delivered a detailed presentation on the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), including the scheme's objectives, eligibility criteria, and financial assistance available to prospective entrepreneurs for establishing and expanding enterprises.
Further, Mr Malay Kumar Biswas, Lead Bank Manager, Soreng District, sensitised the participants about various farmer-oriented banking facilities, credit support, and the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme. He explained the importance of institutional credit in supporting agricultural activities and encouraged farmers and FPOs to make effective use of available banking facilities.
Building a Sustainable Export Ecosystem
The programme provided an important platform for interaction among farmers, FPOs/FPCs, entrepreneurs, government departments, APEDA, KVIC, and the banking sector. The sessions focused on building awareness regarding export readiness, value addition, institutional support, access to finance, and market opportunities, with the broader objective of enabling farmers and producer organisations in Soreng District to explore new markets and improve their income through value-added and export-oriented agricultural and horticultural products.
The programme concluded with an emphasis on strengthening coordination among stakeholders and creating a sustainable ecosystem for agriculture and horticulture-based enterprises and exports from Sikkim.