Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
PIB Gangtok Organizes ‘Varta’ Media Interaction on Simplified Border Trade through Nathu La and Agriculture & Food Production under Sapt Dhara
Posted On:
11 SEP 2026 5:13PM by PIB Gangtok
Gangtok, September 11, 2026
The Press Information Bureau (PIB), Gangtok organized a ‘Varta’ – Media Interaction program in Gangtok today to facilitate direct interaction and authentic information sharing between government experts and media professionals on key Government of India initiatives. The program aims to bridge the gap between administration and media, curb misinformation and enable wider dissemination of factual information through expert deliberations and interactive Q&A.
The event was attended by Shri Vinayak Azaad, IRS, Principal Commissioner of Customs (Preventive), West Bengal; Dr. Ashok Kumar, Head of Regional Centre & Principal Scientist, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Sikkim Centre, Tadong; Smt. Yangchen Sherpa, Assistant Director (Programme), Akashvani Gangtok; Shri Samir Hang Limbo, President, Press Club of Sikkim, as Special Guests; Smt. Thinlay Choden Bhutia, Assistant Commissioner of Customs (IRS), Naxalbari Customs Division; and Shri Milan Subba, Superintendent of Customs, Gangtok & Sherathang, along with officials of Government Media Units in Sikkim and journalists from print, electronic and digital media were also present on this occasion.
The deliberations centered on two subjects of economic and strategic importance to the state. The first subject on Agriculture & Food Production under Saptadhara was presented by Dr. Ashok Kumar, following the national framework announced by the Prime Minister on the 80th Independence Day. He focused on increasing farm income by shifting from perishable fresh produce to non-perishable, value-added products leveraging Sikkim’s organic brand. Highlighting high-curcumin turmeric, processed large cardamom and walnuts, he explained how processing helps farmers store produce longer and get better prices. He also introduced modern practices like grafting technology for dwarf nut trees, use of weed mats to manage high rainfall and labour shortage, and promotion of non-traditional, climate-resilient crops.
The second subject on Simplified Border Trade through Nathu La: Customs Compliance and Smooth Clearance was presented by Shri Vinayak Azaad, IRS. Tracing its history, Shri Azaad said Nathu La was closed after 1962, reopened for border trade on July 6, 2006 following the 2003 Memorandum with trading marts at Sherathang established on the Indian side (Sikkim) and trade mart on the Chinese side, suspended in 2020 due to COVID and other reasons, and has now resumed in 2026 coinciding with improved India-China dialogue.
He clarified that Nathu La is a regulated border trade and not an open commercial border. Trade is allowed only for registered traders from Monday to Thursday, with gate opening at 07:30 IST and a daily limit of up to Rs. 2 lakhs per trader. Around 35 categories of items including handicrafts, handloom, traditional items, garments and agricultural products are permitted. The list can be expanded through Ministry of Finance and DGFT based on genuine commercial potential.
He said Customs has a triple role of facilitation, compliance and enforcement. It will ensure predictable and fast clearance for honest traders through risk-based assessment, selective examination, digital documentation and inter-agency coordination, while maintaining a strong intelligence-led enforcement against smuggling of gold, narcotics, wildlife and other contraband.
He added that Customs is coordinating with the Government of Sikkim and traders can approach Customs offices at Nathu La, Gangtok and Siliguri for procedural support. Traders are partners and accurate declarations will ensure seamless clearance.
He said the long-term goal is to move from border trade to border area economic development through better branding, packaging, high-value handicrafts, organic products and logistics, creating livelihoods for youth. He also stressed the need to improve internet connectivity at Sherathang for digital filing and urged media to disseminate accurate information on procedures, and concluded with the message to trade freely, trade fairly and comply with rules.
Smt. Yangchen Sherpa highlighted how Akashvani contextualizes national policies into regional languages to make information actionable for citizens. Shri Samir Hang Limbo said media plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency on how policies translate on the ground for local traders and farmers.
Earlier in his welcome address, Shri Mainak Chatterjee, News Editor, Akashvani Gangtok and Information Assistant, PIB Gangtok expressed gratitude to the dignitaries and media persons present and gave a brief overview of the agenda of the program. The programme concluded with the recitation of the National Anthem by the gathering.
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