Sikkim became the first state in India to officially announce adoption of organic farming in the year 2003 to ensure long term sustenance of soil fertility, protection of environment and ecology, healthy living and decreasing the risk of health ailments.
In 2003, Sikkim stopped imports of chemical fertilizers in the State and since then the cultivatable land there is practically organic and farmers of Sikkim are traditional users of organic manure.
Embedded in its design are socioeconomic aspects such as consumption and market expansion, cultural aspects as well as health, education, rural development and sustainable tourism.
The policy implemented a phase out of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and achieved a total ban on sale and use of chemical pesticides in the state. The transition has benefitted more than 66, 000 farming families.
Nevertheless, this iniciative may be at risk as local consumers fail to buy into projetc. Although there is evidence of the state government’s efforts to raise awareness about organic produce local consumers still prefer imported products because of prices and their better appearance.
Sources:
http://www.fao.org/india/news/detail-events/en/c/1157760/
https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2017/jan/31/sikkim-india-organic-revolution-at-risk-as-local-consumers-fail-to-buy-into-project
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