case study of organic farming in sikkim

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Explained: How Sikkim Became World’s First Organic State

Sikkim is recognised as the “world’s first organic state” by the world book of records london. world book of records london is an organization that catalogues and verifies extraordinary records across the world. this recognition implies that the state has become the first state in the world to implement a 100% organic policy..

Sikkim is recognised as the “world’s first organic state” by the World Book of Records London. World Book of Records London is an organisation that catalogues and verifies extraordinary records across the world.

This recognition implies that the state has become the first state in the world to implement a 100% organic policy.

The citation reads, “Sikkim state (India) has been included for being the first organic state in the world and crime-free state with the best governance.”

With the Green Revolution in the 1960s, India increased its crop production and produced enough food grains for the country, but chemical fertilizers and pesticides too arrived in Indian farming. They are affecting our agriculture including water, air and land.

Recognising its adverse impact on the environment, organic farming is being promoted. Sikkim is the first state in the world that is 100% organic and sets an example for the whole world. For this immense success, Sikkim has also been awarded the Oscar Award for Best Policies by the United States.

Let’s understand what is organic farming? How did Sikkim make itself a 100% organic state?

What is Organic Farming?

Organic farming is an evergreen ancient method by which the environment remains pure and the natural nature of the land is also maintained. Due to its use, the soil remains fertile and drought-like situations are very less likely to arise.

Further, fossil fertilizers are used instead of chemical fertilizers and organic fertilizers are used instead of insecticides during organic farming.

In organic farming, cow dung, compost manure, green manure, bio-pesticide, earthworm manure, neem cake, lemon grass and fruit residues are used. It follows bacterial culture.

How did Sikkim become an Organic State?

To make Sikkim an organic state, 75,000 hectares of land were converted into organic. The emphasis was laid on the use of organic instead of chemical i.e. chemical pesticides.

In this action plan, the Sikkim government prohibited the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Also, violation of this law leads to the imprisonment of three months including a fine of one lakh.

The then Chief Minister Pawan Chamling had formed the Sikkim State Board. A partnership was also initiated with many agricultural development and research organizations in the country and abroad including biological research from Switzerland.

The government focused on developing village panchayats in the form of clusters for organic farming. Organic farming was done on 8 lakh 35 thousand hectares of land in Sikkim, which benefited about 4 lakh farmers. The target was set to cover 50 thousand hectares of land, and about 2.5 thousand farmer interest groups were formed, through which about 45 thousand farmers were associated with the organic scheme.

Concept of bio-village

Interestingly, Sikkim was witnessing a decline in income and production, after which the state had decided to shift to organic farming. People were made aware of organic fertilizers by visiting organic farms, organic schools and even homes. In addition, nutrition management, techniques, pest management and laboratories for farming were also introduced.

There were many awareness campaigns organised on acidic soil treatment, organic packing etc.

The road to transition to a fully organic state was not an easy one. The state government first adopted the villages and resolved to convert them into bio-villages. The quota being given for manure was closed and organic manure was made available to all. Along with this, organic certificates were also given to the people for farming.

After taking all these steps, the scope of cultivation of Sikkim has increased and more than 22 lakh hectares of production was recorded.

What are the benefits of organic farming?

Presently, organic farming is becoming increasingly popular as it protects the environment and increases food production.

Organic farming protects farm-friendly insects. This increases the groundwater level. It reduces the cost of agriculture and increases the quality of production. Further, ecology works well due to organic farming.

Crops are rotated so that they get proper nutrition. According to one figure, a farmer is able to use only 25 to 40 per cent of his cultivated crop. At the same time, they burn 600 billion tons of agricultural residues to prepare their fields to grow new crops again.

United Nations honoured Sikkim

In 2003, the Sikkim state government pledged to convert it into an organic state and Sikkim was declared the first organic state in the world in 2016 with its policies and efforts.

The United Nations’s Fertilizer and Agriculture Organization (FAO) gave Sikkim the Oscar Award for its best policies to acquire 100% organic farming. The UN provided this title to Sikkim, leaving behind about twenty-five nominated states. The United Nations, while giving this award, described it as a step in Sikkim to fight hunger and poverty and protect the environment.

Organic farming resulted in an increase of over 50 per cent in tourism (between 2014 and 2017) and over 66,000 farmers benefited from it.

By the year 2025, organic farming in India is estimated to have a business of about Rs 75,000 crore. In such a situation, along with the use of modern techniques, there is a need to train people about organic farming.

Since when it starts to happen on a large scale then the selling and buying associated with it in the market is also likely to increase.

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Sikkim: India’s First 100% Organic State Leading the Way in Sustainable Farming

Sikkim, the India's first 100% organic state

Sikkim, a small but progressive state in India, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the world’s first 100% organic state. Sikkim adopted organic farming in 2003, resolving to eliminate harmful chemicals and pesticides in a significant move towards sustainable farming practices.

Recognition

In 2018, Sikkim was honored with the prestigious Future Policy Award, often referred to as the ‘Oscar for best policies,’ by the Food and Agriculture Organisation ( FAO ) of the United Nations.

This award recognizes the world’s best policies promoting agroecological and sustainable food systems. Sikkim triumphed over 51 nominations from 25 different countries, showcasing its exemplary leadership and commitment to adopting organic practices.

The Chief Minister of Sikkim, Pawan Kumar Chamling, received the award from the Deputy Director of UN’s FAO, Maria Helena Semedo, in Rome on October 15th, proudly representing the state’s extraordinary journey towards organic farming.

The Path Towards Organic Farming

In 2003, Sikkim made history by officially announcing its intention to embrace organic farming. The state’s vision was clear: ensure the long-term sustenance of soil fertility, protect the environment and ecology, promote healthy living, and reduce the risks associated with chemical-based agriculture.

To achieve this, Sikkim took gradual steps, starting with a ‘phase-out’ approach to chemical fertilizers and pesticides, eventually leading to a complete ban on their use and sale.

The state went even further by halting all imports of chemical fertilizers, making it a pioneering endeavor in the realm of sustainable agriculture. As a result, all cultivable land in Sikkim has now transitioned to organic practices, paving the way for other regions and countries to follow suit.

The Role of Sikkim Organic Mission

To expedite the journey towards the 100% organic tag, the State Government launched the ‘Sikkim Organic Mission’ in 2010. This initiative provided crucial support to farmers, offering them organic seeds, manure, and training in organic farming techniques. With the mission’s help, over 66,000 farming families have benefited, contributing to rural development and sustainable livelihoods.

Beyond Environmental Benefits

The impact of Sikkim’s organic transformation extends beyond environmental gains. Organic farming has significantly improved public health and has become a major attraction for tourists.

The state’s lush green farms, pure and organic agricultural products, and meals made from fresh produce have lured visitors from across the globe. Between 2015 and 2017, Sikkim witnessed a remarkable 50% increase in tourist footfalls, showcasing the appeal of its eco-friendly agricultural practices.

Organic Farming

Organic agriculture relies on naturally occurring substances while strictly limiting or prohibiting synthetic inputs like chemical fertilizers and pesticides. This approach enhances the health of agroecosystems, fosters biodiversity, supports biological cycles, and promotes soil-biological activity.

By avoiding the use of harmful chemicals, organic farming ensures that the food produced is not only safe for consumption but also contributes to the preservation of the environment and the well-being of farming communities.

Inspiration

Sikkim’s journey towards becoming India’s first 100% organic state serves as an inspiring example for other states and nations worldwide. By showcasing the power of political will, leadership, and perseverance, Sikkim has proven that a transition to organic farming is not only possible but also beneficial for both people and the planet.

In India, where agriculture plays a vital role in the economy, the success of Sikkim’s organic model holds tremendous potential. Embracing organic farming practices can lead to increased agricultural productivity, reduced environmental degradation, and improved public health.

As the world grapples with the challenges posed by climate change, environmental degradation, and health issues, Sikkim’s organic revolution stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the transformative potential of sustainable farming practices.

As more regions and nations embark on the path of organic farming, the legacy of Sikkim’s pioneering efforts will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the future of agriculture and our shared planet.

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Sustainable Organic Farming in Sikkim: An Inclusive Perspective

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• Jitendra Kumar 5 ,
• Meghan Pradhan 5 &
• Niti Singh 5  

Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Electrical Engineering ((LNEE,volume 435))

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The study explores the current trends of organic farming in the Sikkim where almost 80% people still depend upon agriculture and allied activities. State has become the first organic state with adoption of 100% organic farming by preserving its rich natural resources with abundant flora and fauna, vibrant ecosystem and soil fertility with high organic matter content. It has become the major exporter for fruits, flowers, spices and vegetable in recent years. This case study illustrates the various phases of organic farming in Sikkim, India, associated stakeholders and constraints in terms of infrastructure particularly irrigation, transportation and electricity, and financial and marketing constraints for higher output and income realization.

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Department of Management Studies, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology, Sikkim, India

Jitendra Kumar, Meghan Pradhan & Niti Singh

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Sabyasachi SenGupta

Department of Electronic and Computer Engineering, Brunel University London, College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences, Uxbridge, Middlesex, United Kingdom

Ahmed F. Zobaa

Department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology , Rangpo, Sikkim, India

Karma Sonam Sherpa

Akash Kumar Bhoi

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Kumar, J., Pradhan, M., Singh, N. (2018). Sustainable Organic Farming in Sikkim: An Inclusive Perspective. In: SenGupta, S., Zobaa, A., Sherpa, K., Bhoi, A. (eds) Advances in Smart Grid and Renewable Energy. Lecture Notes in Electrical Engineering, vol 435. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-4286-7_36

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Environment

Take a photographic tour around the world's first fully organic state.

All farmland in the Indian state of Sikkim, shown in these images, has been certified organic since 2016, and local authorities say the change is already improving wildlife populations and the area's arid soil

By Matteo Fagotto

15 May 2024

The kitchen of a family house in Yuksom

Matilde Gattoni

IN 2016, Sikkim in India became the world’s first fully organic state, with the aim of preserving the local environment, protecting its fragile ecosystems and rich biodiversity, and ensuring a healthier life for its people. All 760 square kilometres of farmland in this former independent kingdom, which is nestled between Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet, are certified organic, with a ban on importing or using chemical inputs.

Farmers separating hulls from rice

Sikkim’s model – based on interconnection, rather than competition, between humans and nature – could lead the way towards a more sustainable future, as climate change forces the world to redefine its agricultural priorities .

Buddhist monks in the courtyard of the Tsuklakhang Royal Monastery

According to local authorities , some early benefits of the organic revolution have been an increase in the population of bees and other wildlife and the rejuvenation of Sikkim’s shallow and arid soil.

orchid greenhouse at the Hidden Forest Retreat in Gangtok

The change has also led to a spike in tourism in this inaccessible land of high peaks and pristine forests, interspersed with Hindu temples, remote Buddhist monasteries and sacred lakes.

Traditional house in the village of Tingvong

The photos show (from top): the kitchen of a family house in Yuksom, where all vegetables grown in the garden are organic; farmers separating hulls from rice in a paddy field on the outskirts of Gangtok; Buddhist monks in the courtyard of the Tsuklakhang Royal Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Sikkim; an orchid greenhouse at the Hidden Forest Retreat in Gangtok; an organic field surrounding a traditional house in the village of Tingvong; and tea pickers at the government-owned Temi Tea Estate, an organic plantation (pictured below).

Tea pickers at the Temi Tea Estate

• environment /

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