GTA to host Krishi Mela across Darjeeling hills

EOI, Darjeeling, 6 January 2014: The Gorkhaland Territorial Administration is holding a Krishi Mela in the three sub-divisions of the hills for the third consecutive year, from January 13 to 23, to promote agriculture activities and the farming fraternity of the region.

Binay Tamang, GTA executive member and head of the information and cultural department, today announced an 11-day programme.

“As in the previous two years, this time too we have will hold a Krishi Mela in the hills. The aim is to promote agriculture and farmers of the region. We must remember that we do not only depend on the tea gardens,” he said.

In Darjeeling, the programme will be organised at Jamuney, about 15 km

from town, from January 13 to 23.  Similar events will be held at Relli in Kalimpong from January 14 to 17, at the Jogi Ghat area of Kurseong from January 15 to 18 and at Rangbang Khola in Mirik from Jaunary 14 to 17.

Tamang noted the events of 2011 and 2012 had been met with positive response and this prompted the GTA to hold the programme in a grand manner this year as well.

“The last two events were focused on the Darjeeling sub-division, but the positive feedback has spurred us to also hold it in the remaining two sub-divisions,” said the GTA executive member.

Tamang said agricultural products and equipment would be displayed alongside seminars conducted by experts for the benefit of farmers.

“We will showcase traditional houses, seminars related to agriculture, free distribution of animals and vaccination,” said Tamang, adding celebrities and performers from Kolkata and Mumbai will be invited for the event.

The GTA will also organise a village Olympic, floriculture show, circus, cultural programmes and adventure activities during the event. Further, banks will be invited to apprise farmers of the loans on offer.