Vertical and terrace farming models promoted in Gangtok and beyond
GANGTOK, 4 May 2025: In a strategic effort to boost urban agriculture and create new livelihood opportunities, the Sikkim agriculture department has launched an initiative to promote the cultivation of microgreens across the state, especially in urban regions like Gangtok where land availability is limited.
The state has partnered with the Centre of Floriculture and Agri-Business Management (Cofam) under North Bengal University (NBU) to deliver technical expertise for the project. In the first phase, 150 agriculture department officials were trained in vertical and terrace-based farming of microgreens.
“Terrace farming is a sustainable solution for urban areas. We want to promote the idea of ‘grow your own greens,’ especially in tourism-driven economies like Gangtok,” said Amarendra Kumar Pandey, Cofam demonstrator.
Small Spaces, Big Potential
Microgreens—nutrient-rich young seedlings of vegetables—are emerging as an urban farming solution in Sikkim. These crops require minimal space and grow quickly, making them ideal for terraces, polyhouses, and balconies.
“The goal is to diversify farming, offer farmers a new income stream, and create agri-startup opportunities for local youth,” said Pandey.
Phase one of the programme includes training and farm setup, while phase two will focus on market linkage and expansion. Emphasis is also being placed on value-added microgreen products, such as packaged salads and health blends, to expand income channels.
Tourism Meets Agriculture
Given Sikkim’s booming hospitality and tourism sector, officials see microgreens as a natural fit for high-demand, premium food services.
“This is not just about farming—it’s about creating a viable business model. Restaurants and hotels can source fresh, locally grown greens, reducing food miles and boosting the local economy,” Pandey added.
Youth Focus and Skill Cascading
According to Yogesh Sharma, Joint Director of the Sikkim Agriculture Department, trained Block Technology Managers (BTMs) and Assistant Technology Managers (ATMs) from the Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) will now act as master trainers to spread microgreen cultivation know-how to rural farmers and unemployed youth.
“This programme can become a scalable, year-round farming model using polyhouses and low-footprint infrastructure,” Sharma said.
Image credit: agrifarming
