Sikkim, a small state in India’s northeastern region, is the country’s first fully organic state. Sikkim achieved this feat in December 2015.
This story began 15 years ago when state government decided to make Sikkim an organic farming state. Consequently, it came up with a legislation that banned the use of chemical fertilizer and pesticides.
According to the state government, Sikkim has 75,000 hectares of agricultural land. One can be penalized with $1400 or up to three months behind the bars for using chemical fertilizer or pesticides.
Why has Sikkim opted for organic farming? Agriculture secretary Khorlo Bhutia said, “In the long term, organic farming leads in the subsistence of agriculture, biodiversity conservation, and environmental protection.”
He also said, “Sustainable farming will also help in building the soil health, resulting in sustainable increased crop production.”
