Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare launched nationwide flagship programme ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyan-Rabi 2026’ (22.10.2026 to 30.11.2026) to promote sustainable agriculture, improve soil health and encourage the judicious use of agricultural resources, targeting to reach 50 lakh farmers from 700 districts through multiple ICAR teams. ICAR, Sikkim Centre, Tadong organized awareness programme under ‘Khet Bachao Abhiyaan’ (Rabi 2026) on November 5th, 2026 by TEAM-17 at Chalamthang, Pakyong (District), East Sikkim. Dr. Shaon Kumar Das, Sr. Scientist (Soil Science) introduced the theme and highlighted the role of balanced use of organic fertilizers & water resources and use of ‘jalkund’ during rabi season. Dr. Sudip Dutta, Sr. Scientist (Hort.) lectured on fruit crop diversification, encouraged to grow ‘Kiwi fruit’ and ‘Avacado’ for sustainable profitability in Sikkim. Dr. R. Devadas, Pr. Scientist highlighted role of different ICAR crop varieties distributed in Kharif season, reviewed performance of 10 ICAR varieties and stressed ‘organic seed production’ to suit the seed requirement for Sikkim farmers. Programme was attended by 15 farmers, followed by kitchen garden seed distribution & garlic rhizome distribution and paddy field visits by team of ICAR scientists. ‘Chalamthang FPO’ and ‘Jagriti Women SHG’ actively participated and President Shri. Gyalpo Tamang and Smt. Santoshi Tamag, Ward Member graced the occasion. Progressive farmer Shri. Syam Tamang, Shri. Arjun Chettri happy with performance of ‘Sikkim Organic Chirakey Sel-1’ at fields. This event was organized by the guidance of Head Dr. Ashok Kumar, and Dr. Kadirvel Govindasamy, Director with co-ordination of Ms. Ankita Sharma, YP-I (Seed/Crops) project.