8th Year of Sikkim as a fully Organic State

Chamling urges Sikkimese to remain as global example in organic farming

GANGTOK, : Former Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, on the occasion of the eighth Organic Day, has urged the Sikkimese to remain committed towards the organic farming and set a global example as an organic State.

“On the occasion of the 8th Organic Day, 2024, let us recommit ourselves as Sikkimese people to the practice of organic farming and let us set a global example of an organic State from where the world learns of all best practices in the field of organic agriculture. I wish the people of Sikkim a wonderful Organic Day 2024!” said Chamling in his message.

Sikkim was declared as a fully Organic State on January 18, 2016 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a remarkable feat which has been celebrated worldwide. Sikkim received prestigious global awards like the One World Award by Rapunzel in 2017 in Germany and Future Policy Gold Award 2018 in Italy from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, IFOAM-Organics and World Future Council.

The former Chief Minister thanked the State government officers, farmers, researchers, trainers and resources persons who made Organic Sikkim possible. We would not be here without your dedication, contribution and belief in the vision of Organic Sikkim, he said.

“Eight years since we achieved the historic feat, more and more research has been done which validates the wide reaching benefits of organic farming. A recent French study showed that birds from organic farms show more vitality than those that live on conventional farms. Another recent study showed that organically cultivated soil has diverse microbiome which are key in suppressing plant disease. Furthermore, its contributions to mitigating the greenhouse effect through the improved sequestration of CO2 in the soil cannot be further stressed,” said Chamling.

“Needless to say, research showcasing the transformative benefits of organic farming is plenty. In this light, it is a matter of pride for the Sikkimese people that we embraced organic agriculture ahead of the world and showed that going fully organic is possible, thus becoming a leader in the organic field.”

Chamling recorded the relevance of organic farming at present times amidst the global warming-induced climate change resulting in shifts in the ecosystem along with extreme weather events. “With farming being a big contributor to climate change, we can only do our part and embrace more sustainable forms of agriculture such as organic farming. Whether we take heed of the many warnings and take responsibility for our actions will determine the future of our planet,” he said.

“With Sikkim being the first fully organic State in the world, we must not only practice organic farming, advocate for the organic way and tap into the untapped organic market; we must also be a global example of best practices in the field. Although we have achieved the organic status, there is still a long way to go.”

On the occasion of the Organic Day 2024, the former Chief Minister urged the people of Sikkim to continue the practice of organic farming and showcase to the world the State’s continued leadership in the field.

“Our global community has to aspire towards going fully organic and Sikkim has to play a critical role in that journey. On Organic Day, I urge all practitioners of organic farming to pledge to commit to this non-violent and sustainable form of agriculture not just for today but for our future generations too.”

“Organic Agriculture has been the mission of the SDF party and even while in the opposition, we have continued to celebrate the organic program and philosophy. Our party has not veered even the slightest from our commitment to the organic mission which has given Sikkim a global brand name and even in the future, the SDF party will continue to take the mission forward in full force,” said Chamling, also the SDF president, in his message.