Darjeeling/ Kalimpong, Jan12:

The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration chief Bimal Gurung today inaugurated the "Krishi Mela 2013" at Jamuni. The Mela which kick started from today will continue till January 29. Gurung was also accompanied by the GTA deputy chief Col Ramesh Allay, GTA principal secretary Dr. Saumitra Mohan, Krishi mela chairman sabhasad Asha Gurung.

‘The main aim of the Mela is to aware the farmers on agriculture as it is the main source of livelihood in the Hills’ said Gurung addressing the gathering. He said that the GTA not only gives preference to tourism, education but in almost every needs of the society. More emphasis will be given to places like Mirik, Jamuni, Rohini in the field of agriculture he said.

Gurung also assured that many developmental works have been on full swing in the field of tourism sector and same will be followed in terms of agriculture. He led emphasis on the production of organic products.

Gurung appealed one and all to believe on hardwork rather to depend in the government. He also informed about the establishment of the super specialist hospital at Sukuna and Dudhia.

Gurung said that the GTA was to be given full power without any interference by the state and the central government but the same has not been followed. He also expressed his sadness as many departments till date has not been transferred to the GTA, and the delay in the release of funds both by the central and the state government.

‘If there occur any hardships in functioning of the GTA, we shall be a headache for the centre as well as the state’ said Gurung.         

Earlier welcoming the gathering, the GTA principal secretary Dr. Saumitra Mohan expressed his contentment over the event. The Hills is one of the potential area of agriculture.

Adding more Dr Mohan informed that India is a predominant country and in every five year plans, agriculture is given more emphasis 60-70% of the population are dependent on agriculture.

He stated that the main motive behind organising such Krishi Mela is to aware the farmers on agriculture, its new techniques etc.

Not only the awareness campaigns but through such fares, the farmers will benefit at large.

The day also witnessed the release of a periodicals title 'Pasudhan' by Animal Resource Development Department through the GTA chief.

Renowned singers Usha Utthup and Sonu Nigam will also be performing in the days to come.

Likewise, the 5 day long Krishi Mela at Relli Pala witnessed a successful inauguration today by the Darjeeling MLA, Trilok Dewan. It is being organized in collaboration of the GTA and the Government of West Bengal. Various departments linked with agriculture, Self Help Groups (SHGs) and organizations have displayed vegetables, fruits, traditional clothes, utensils, hand crafts, etc. The pollution free Chulah (stove) designed in Kalimpong is one of the main attractions.

Dewan, who was the chief guest for the inauguration said that there are much chances of development of those departments which are linked with agriculture in Kalimpong. He also advised the GTA Agriculture Department to learn the issues faced by the agriculturists and should try to find solution for every problem. He further said that with the help of NABARD and other banks, a 5 year farmers’ development plan needs to be prepared, for which he assured his full support. The field of Horticulture, Sericulture, Floriculture, etc needs to be broadened here, concluded the MLA.

The main aims of the Mela is to edify and connect the farmers with modern technologies, inform them about various developments in this field, how to increase their revenue by use of technology, etc., said KK Lohar, the Mela Coordinator and also the head of GTA Education Department.

Likewise, the GTA Relli Sabhasad, RB Bhujel said that Relli must be made one of the focal tourism spots. Works for developing the area needs to be done, he told and added that agriculture tourism in the area needs to be encouraged. He claimed that all the farmers will benefit from the fair.

The evening lighted up with various cultural programmes put up by the Cultural Department. Rural Sports will also commence from January 14, 2013.