Gangtok, July 29: The Agriculture Department of Sikkim has officially opened a new Farmers’ Hostel under the State Agricultural Management & Extension Training Institute (SAMETI). The event took place at the ICAR Complex in Tadong, with Mr. Puran Kumar Gurung, the Minister of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Veterinary Services, and Fisheries, as the Chief Guest.
The opening ceremony started with a ribbon-cutting by Mr. Gurung, followed by a tour of the hostel with other senior officials. The Minister praised the Agriculture Department for completing the hostel and stressed the importance of this new building for the department and the state.
Mr. Gurung encouraged the department to attract educated young people to work in Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, and related fields. He emphasized that these areas are vital for the state’s economy and should be prioritized, not just in production but also in marketing.
The Secretary of the Agriculture Department spoke about how the hostel’s opening marks a significant day for the department. He highlighted the importance of farming and the need for better infrastructure in this sector.
Ms. Rachna Gurung, the Director of SAMETI, welcomed everyone and thanked the Secretary for his support. She expressed pride in the new hostel, which she believes will benefit many people in the future.
Mr. Jeewan Chettri, the Chief Engineer of the Agriculture Department, provided a detailed overview of the project. The hostel was developed in three phases, starting in 2006-07. It includes a training center, male and female dormitories, guest rooms, a dining hall, and a conference hall.
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