Last week we posted on Facebook news from El País in which he discussed Sikkim and its organic crops, which particularly caught our attention. Sikkim is a state nestled in the Himalayas, with no rail connections or commercial flights to date. But Sikkim succeeded in its mission, overcoming every obstacle. 12 years ago, in 2003, when the government led by Pawan Chamling decided to make Sikkim a state of organic farming through a declaration in the legislature. Today, it has become India's first fully organic state by implementing organic practices on about 75,000 hectares of agricultural land.
Over the years, around 75,000 hectares have been converted to certified organic farming under the guidelines of the National Organic Production Programme. However, it was not all plain sailing, and there were struggles. Although Sikkim's farmers had never relied heavily on the chemicals, if use was made of Synthetic fertilizers The state banned their use, leaving farmers no option but to convert their land to organic farming.
The organic cultivation uses no chemical pesticides or fertilisers, helping maintain balance between ecosystems. Soil quality has also improved, benefiting the crops grown there.
As a fully organic state, it can now boast of offering tourists fresh organic vegetables in the heart of Himalaya. Sustainable agriculture is one step ahead, providing environmental protection, biodiversity conservation and better agricultural products. It also reduces pollution, thus maintaining the fragile ecosystem of the Himalayan state.
Among the main crops produced in Sikkim are Cardamom, ginger, turmeric, off-season vegetables, flowers, Sikkim mandarins, kiwi fruit, durum wheat, rice and millet.
Now an example for the whole nation, Sikkim resembles organic states in the United States such as California or Wisconsin among others. Several other parts of India now also aspire to the same and work very hard to achieve the same status. Leading the race is Kerala followed by Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.
⇒ Learn more about our trip to Sikkim and Bhutan