Krishi Mela 2014 started in Darjeeling, Kalimpong

The Darjeeling leg of the third Krishi Mela organised by the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration got started today at Jamuney, about 15km from town.

Using the occasion, GTA sabhasads harped on ushering development in the hills with support from the state government.

Traditional huts at the Krishi Mela in Jamuney.

Inaugurating the Krishi Mela, GTA deputy chief executive Col (Retd) Ramesh Allay said, “We have a lot of projects to complete and also to start. The hills have been neglected for several years and now we must focus on changing the face of this place.”

The deputy chief executive said the year 2015 will be dedicated to green revolution. “We have been hosting the Krishi Mela since 2011. Keeping this in mind, we have lined up projects to bring about a green revolution in the hills. Our farmer brothers need to be promoted and the GTA will do so in the years to come,” he said.

But in order to achieve this, the state government should facilitate the release of the arrested GTA sabhasads, pointed out Allay.

“We need to have all our sabhasads actively participating, but there are still some in correctional homes. We need to have them attending office and giving a helping hand in formulating projects,” said the GTA deputy chief.

At the inauguration of Krishi Mela 2014 in Jamuney on Monday.

Of the 12 sabhasads arrested during the latest agitation for statehood, six are presently lodged in different correctional homes, while the remaining six are out on bail.

Binay Tamang, one of the arrested GTA members and presently released on bail, also emphasised the need for developing the hills, saying it should be prioritised.

“We will come out with a book for the benefit of the people listing various development projects that will be under taken by the GTA and also those already completed,” he said while addressing farmers and locals on the first day of the 14-day fair that will also be hosted by Kalimpong, Mirik and Kurseong.

The Mela will continue in Darjeeling till January 26. The Kalimpong chapter of the fair, at Relli, which also began today after being inaugurated by GTA chief executive Bimal Gurung, will end on January 16.

Meanwhile, in Mirik, the event will be held from January 14 to 17 at Rangbang Khola, while in Kurseong it will be organised from January 15 to 18 at Jogihaat.

The special features of the farmers’ fair as in the past years are the exhibition of traditional huts that have stalls showcasing live demonstrations on different aspects of agriculture related products including seminars and lectures by experts and resource persons. Apart from this, the GTA will also distribute free agro-fishery related equipment, saplings and livestock and tool kits for rural artisans.

GTA executive members Roshan Giri and Binay Tamang
 lighting the ceremonial lamp at the Krishi Mela
 in Jamuney on Monday.

“We want farmers to remain updated with the latest technology and equipment to facilitate better production. We must ensure that agriculture, which is neglected in the hills, gets a strong impetus as we have a lot of scope for it,” noted Tamang, adding stalls for free vaccination of animals have also been set up and participating banks will make farmers aware about various schemes for agriculture and loans that are available.

Further, the GTA will organise entertainment and cultural programmes and put up stalls serving traditional cuisine. Artistes from Kolkata and Mumbai have been invited to perform. The GTA will also hold a Village Olympic and circus along with adventure sports activities in the Mela venues.  It will also give away R500 each to 20 senior citizens from each constituency later this month.

Gorkha Territorial Administration chief executive Bimal Gurung today inaugurated the four-day long Krishi Mela in Kalimpong wherein he promised development of the Darjeeling hills within three years.

The inaugural ceremony was also attended by GJM study forum member Swaraj Thapa, agriculture department member Kalyan Dewan, GTA vice-president Lopsang Lama and others.

The Krishi Mela has more than 24 stalls hosted by the Forest and Health Department.

Gurung said that if he fails to develop the Darjeeling hills within three years, the people can discard his party, the GJM. He also announced several development plans and promised to establish a ropeway from Kalimpong to Relitar by the end of March. A hospital comprising 300 beds and a high school will be set up in Kalimpong, said the GTA chief.


Further, Gurung vowed to establish a 15-bed hospital in Barabat and to work on beautifying Reli by constructing parks for children and also a Reli Jheel. He added both the state and central governments will fund all development plans adequately.

Source:EOI

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