Sikkim: India’s First Organic State
In January 2016, Sikkim state was officially announced as the country’s first fully organic state i.e. the farmers in the state are using natural manure form cow in place of chemical fertilisers, pesticides or insecticides. The Sikkim model can be emulated by the other states in country, especially those states which are focussing on organic agricultural practices.
Sikkim model
When Sikkim started its organic programme in 2003, only few farmers are using chemicals and remaining farmers are already following the organic practices by choice. This has helped Sikkim to become fully organic state. But it took almost 13 years to become chemical-free. During this period, the state government had implemented pilot programmes, including the adoption of ‘bio-villages’. Subsidies were provided by the state government in construction of vermicomposting pits, and farmers were encouraged to use bio-fertilisers and organic manure. Initially only five crops – buckwheat, ginger, turmeric, large cardamom and orchid were targeted and then expanded to other crops.
The Sikkim Organic Mission was launched in 2010 with the aim to become fully chemical-free by December 2015. The state government opened special complexes called the “Sikkim Organic Market”, where organic varieties are sold generally at 20-25% more price than the conventional varieties. Provision of market linkage is very important because in the initial years of conversion to organic farming, there will be a drop in yield of 20-50%. This will increase the value of the produce, so farmers should be provided with market linkage to find the buyers.
The state government began certification of lands by accredited agencies, which follow the standards laid down in the National Programme for Organic Production. As per the standards, it takes three years to certify organic and the certifying agency assesses the land once in a year for three years. During the three year period, the soil will cleanse itself without any special treatment. In case, if any use of chemicals is found in the land, it takes another three years to get certified. Under the state law, penalties of Rs.1 lakh and/or imprisonment up to three months are imposed for using or storing chemical fertilisers or pesticides.
Sikkim, in spite of achieving the full organic state, it has to continue its efforts to maintain the status. For that it has to continue the certification programme. It is only certification that provides a transparent means to maintain the organic status of the farmer and his field. Certification also adds trust and provides support to the value addition industry. Marketing also needs to be more focussed. Export markets can be tapped to get better value. The youth in the state should be encouraged to go back to take up agriculture.
Other states
Besides Sikkim, states like Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan are the top three in India to have more area under organic farming. Kerala and Mizoram are also promoting organic farming. The centre should support these states to become full organic. Globally there is an increasing demand for organic food. India should take this opportunity to increase its organic farming.
