GANGTOK: The State of Sikkim has added another cap to its accolade as one of the most promising state the Indian Union is blessed to have. Sikkim also known as the Land of Flower, will now be known for its Organic initiative too.

Sikkim is now the first fully organic state of India. It is a monumntal achievement for a small landlocked state. Though the state attained the status in December, Prime Minister Narendra Modi made the official announcement during his maiden visit to the state of Sikkim.

The endeavour took a span of only 12 years. The then Pawan Chamling led government took this decision through a declaration in the legislative assembly.

Over the years around 75000 hectares of land has been converted into certified organic farms following the guidelines as prescribed by National Programme for Organic Production.

Perhaps the banning of synthetic and chemical fertilizers along the way by the State government contributed to the success of the state.

In the long run, organic farming 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 state, it can now boast of being a state where the tourists can savour fresh organic vegetables in the heart of Himalaya.

Sustainable farming which was also the focus of the state government 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.

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Bestowed with varied agro-climatic conditions, some of the major crops produced in Sikkim are cardamom, ginger, turmeric, off-season vegetables, flowers, Sikkim mandarin, kiwi, buck wheat, paddy maize and millets.

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.

Being an organic state, it now enjoy its own effort. Sikkim, also a major tourist attraction for domestic and international tourist now has a new feather in its cap.

The State now looks to further push itself in its endeavour to make it an ideal state model which will push the rest of India to follow suit, become more ecologically conscious and aware that it is high time that India should push towards sustainability and growth.

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(Source: India Today)

(Featured Image Source: Internet/ Representational)