Sikkim, the northeastern state of India, is known for its stunning natural beauty, biodiversity, and rich culture. However, it has also earned the distinction of being the first organic state in India. The government of Sikkim made the choice to switch to organic farming consciously to safeguard the environment, advance sustainable agriculture, and enhance public health. A few factors led to the decision to switch to organic farming.

First off, the state of Sikkim has a varied range of flora and fauna, is ecologically fragile, and is home to several Indigenous communities whose subsistence depends on farming. Second, Sikkim is particularly susceptible to climate change because it is a Himalayan state, where rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns have an impact on crop yields and water availability. Thirdly, it was vital to ensure that the agricultural production was enough to feed the population in a healthy manner without the use of pesticides.

Sikkim’s organic farming policy was implemented in 2003 with the intention of steadily converting all the state’s agricultural land to organic farming. The state government encouraged farmers to adopt organic farming practices by providing training, subsidies, and financial assistance. After some early reluctance, the farmers also aligned with the government’s policy. This policy has provided support and training to the farmers, thereby elevating their standard of living. Additionally, the policy on organic farming has inspired farmers to use sustainable farming methods, which has lessened their reliance on synthetic herbicides and fertilizers. After 13 years of challenging work, Sikkim was deemed a completely organic state in 2016. The transition to organic farming was not an easy one, but the government’s efforts eventually paid off.

The achievement was recognized by the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and earned the state the prestigious Future Policy Gold Award from the World Future Council.

Organic farming uses natural inputs such as compost, manure, and green manure, rather than synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. This approach helps to preserve the soil’s fertility, protect the environment, and promote biodiversity. Organic farming also results in healthier food that is free from harmful chemicals and pesticides. This, in turn, improves the health of the people who consume it. It has also reduced its carbon footprint by eliminating the use of synthetic chemicals in farming.

Many things make organic farming important for our health and the future of our world. The use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides was causing damage to the environment, and in turn, the health of the people who relied on it for food and water. Organic food has much less harmful pesticides on it and does not hurt farm workers or the microorganisms that live on farms. Research indicates that organic farming is also better at dealing with climate change. It protects biodiversity and grows healthier, tastier food. This shift towards organic farming has had a significant impact on the lives of the people in Sikkim. The state has seen a rise in its income through organic farming and the promotion of tourism. Increase in tourism to the state indirectly makes life better for the people who live there.

In conclusion, the transition of Sikkim as India’s first organic state is an exemplary accomplishment. For the rest of the nation and the world, it has served as a model. The state has demonstrated that it is possible to achieve development without compromising the environment or the health of its citizens through its emphasis on sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. Other states and nations can benefit from Sikkim’s success in organic farming and, hopefully, they will follow in its footsteps.

Dr Gaurav Kumar
Associate Professor, Department of ECE
ACED, Alliance University