The 13 year journey in becoming the first Organic State

It took the state 13 years to fully implement organic farming since the idea was mooted way back in 2003. In Sikkim, became India’s first fully organic state.

Around 75,000 hectares of agricultural land were gradually converted to certified organic land by implementing practices and principles as per guidelines laid down in National Program for Organic Production.  Kanchenjunga National Park in West Sikkim was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site by the world heritage site committee at its 40th session held on July 17 at Istanbul.

Organic cultivation is free of chemical pesticides and chemical fertilizers as it tries to strike a harmonious balance with a complex series of ecosystems. Follow Spotlife Asia for the latest News and Updates.

In the long term, organic farming leads in subsistence of agriculture, bio-diversity conservation and environmental protection – said Agriculture Secretary Khorlo Bhutia. Sustainable farming will also help in building the soil health resulting in sustainable increased crop production, he said.

Resorts have already been marketing themselves as completely organic where tourists can pluck, cook and relish fresh organic food from their kitchen gardens.

Sikkim is a landlocked state nestled in Himalayas with no train or commercial flight connectivity till date. But Sikkim managed to succeed in its mission overcoming all the obstacles. Around 12 years ago, in 2003, the then Pawan Chamling led government took this decision through a declaration in the legislative assembly. And the journey began.

Over the years around 75000 hectares of land has been converted into certified organic farms following the guidelines as prescribed by National Program for Organic Production. However it had its share of struggle. 

Organic cultivation doesn’t involve the use of chemical pesticides and fertilizers and thus helps to maintain a harmonious balance among the various complex ecosystems. Also it has  improved the quality of the soil which further improves the standards of the crops produced there. Within 1.24 million tonnes of organic production in the country around 80000 million is supplied by Sikkim alone.

As an entirely organic it can now boast of being a state where the tourists can savor fresh organic vegetables in the heart of Himalaya. Sustainable farming goes a step ahead as it provides environmental protection, bio diversity conservation and better agricultural products. It also lowers down pollution thus maintaining the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayan state.

Setting an example for the entire nation, Sikkim now join hands with the organic states of the foreign countries like California, Wisconsin among others. Several other parts of India now also inspire the same and working hard to achieve the status. Leading the race is Kerala followed by Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.