Cell constituted to promote organic farming in Sikkim


Gangtok: A six-member State Organic Farming Cell (SOFC) is constituted under Food Security and Agriculture Department (FS&AD) and Horticulture & Cash Crops Development Department (H&CCDD) for the implementation of Organic farming programme and policies of the state. FS&AD Minister is chairman and H&CCD Minister is co-chairman of the Cell, according to a notification by Sikkim government (Home department).

Terms and reference of SOFC stipulate that the Cell will be the overall Nodal Agency to promote organic farming in Sikkim and to introduce, promote and adopt appropriate technologies for improving the production, arrange, organize and undertake all activities related to and necessary for improving all aspects of organic production of various commodities in the state.

The Cell will also promote, organize and nurture institutions outside the government e.g. Cooperatives, NGOs, Voluntary Organization, Processing units, Boards etc. for the facilitation of all necessary inputs required for the backward and forward linkages related to organic products so as to provide services within easy reach of the farmers on progressively economically viable basis.

The SOFC will work under the guidance of State level Steering Committee for organic farming for the conversion of the state into total organic.

source: sikkim reporter