Sikkim is a state in northern India. It is located on the border with Bhutan, Nepal, and Tibet. The smallest and youngest Indian state is notable for its biodiversity, forests, and pastures, including the subtropical climate.
Apart from being surrounded by steep mountain sides that make up most of the fragile ecosystem, Sikkim is also a host of Kangchenjunga, the highest peak in India and the third-highest on Earth.
Sikkim, over the years, has reformed itself as an environmentally responsible state. It has not just leap into becoming a tourist haven, but it was also the first state in India to officially adopt organic farming in 2003, earning the title of “The First 100% Organic State in The World.”
Due to its approach of becoming a pioneer state in sustainable development and focusing solely on organic farming, Sikkim today is India’s first 100% organic state.
Mad4India brings an inspiring tale of Sikkim, the state that has set an example for the rest of India to go fully organic.
Sikkim – Organic state of India
Apart from being the top destination on every traveler’s bucket list, Sikkim is India’s first state to achieve 100% sanitation coverage and the only state that is open-defecation free. It is also on the road to attaining full- literary and is increasing its forest cover.
Today, Sikkim is the first 100% organic state in the world. In 2003, the state decided to adopt organic farming, which has paid off in the long run. The reformed decision ensured healthy living, soil fertility, and reduced health ailments.
It was also in the same year, 2003 when the state government of Sikkim banned the imports of chemical fertilizers. People were made aware of organic fertilizers and manure. In addition to the training, they were given knowledge of nutrition management techniques and laboratories for farming. Farmers have been using organic manures, and the farmlands are organically certified, which is an immense achievement.
The state government adopted villages to convert into bio-villages.
Throughout the process, the Sikkim State Organic Board was implemented, and it covered many issues, including stopping fertilizers, pesticides, and non-organic vegetables.
Greener way of farming in Sikkim
Sikkim’s transition was not easy. The state government supported 66,000 farmers and outlined a security policy framework that will benefit them in the long. They trained the farmers and inspected the situation. In addition to this, the number of tourists also increased by 50%.
The Sikkim Organic Mission was launched in 2010 to convert 75,000 hectares of land to organic practices. Actions were taken to support organic agriculture as part of this mission. It also facilitated the establishment of local organic outlets, education, and awareness, and organic farming was included as a more environmentally friendly farming method.
The journey of transferring the state into a fully organic goes to Shri Pawan Chamling, the first Chief Minister of Sikkim. His commitment to sustainable development and nature conservation is remarkable. It also owes to the youth and the women who encouraged this movement.
Sikkim beat 50 other nominated policies to win the Gold Award for its State Policy on Organic Framing and Sikkim Organic Mission in 2004 and 2019, respectively.
Coveted in the Himalayas, the land of paradise – Sikkim has many imperative attractions. It is the perfect place for trekkers and climbers and enjoying a perfect vacation with friends and family.
Today, Sikkim is a 100% organic state. It has strengthened agriculture production with organic farming and opted for sustainable development in their life. The extensive measures taken by the government and feasible practices adopted by the youth and people are highly appreciable.
It made history in 2016 when Sikkim was recognized as the “first organic state in the world and crime-free state with the best governance” by the World Book of Records London. In 2018, it was honored by the United Nation’s Fertilizers and Agriculture Organization (FAO) with an Oscar Award for its policies to make the state 100% organic.
India ranks first in the number of organic farmers and fourth in the area under organic farming. Many states like Uttrakhand and Tripura have set up similar targets. India is a traditionally organic country. We have seen the traditional farming method and how it has benefited us. Our food habits our culture and our lifestyle has always been of organic nature. Any Indian Food On Your Mind? See 29 Different Indian Cuisines That The Indian States Have To Offer., everything has a traditional touch to it.
Sikkim is an excellent model for other Indian states and countries worldwide.
Mad4India is pleased to cover this inspiring tale of the first organic state of India. It has set an example and is overwhelmed with how the state government initiated the movement with absolute dedication.
Sources of information – The Times of India
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