Reaping an organic harvest

Sikkim’s organic aspirations have started to bear fruits. According to a report, of 70,000 hectares of arable land in the State, 6000 hectares is already organic-certified. By 2015, Sikkim aims to be completely organic certified.

The State Government’s clear understanding of the fact that it needs to focus on enhancing and strengthening the local markets and produce by adopting organic farming is perhaps one of the best steps it has taken as far as sustainable development of the State is concerned.

The first step came in May 2003, when the State Government withdrew the subsidy on fertilizers. From 2006-07 onwards, the transport and handling subsidy and commission to the retailer was also withdrawn. Alongside, the Government also adopted a seven-year plan to phase out use of chemical fertilizers, by gradually replacing these with organic sources.

source; sikkim express
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