Sikkim leads the way as the first fully organic state in the world
- Sikkim transitioned to fully organic agricultural practices in 2016, banning chemical pesticides and fertilizers.
- More than 76,000 hectares of farmland were converted, and the state received international recognition for its efforts.
- The transition offers a model for other regions, although challenges such as yield loss and market mechanisms need to be addressed.
Sikkim, a small Himalayan state in northeast India, transitioned to become the world’s first fully organic state in 2016. This ambitious transformation involved gradually phasing out chemical fertilizers and pesticides, with the government implementing several key initiatives. More than 76,000 hectares of farmland were converted to organic practices. In support of farmers, the state restricted imports of synthetic agricultural products and ceased subsidies for traditional farming methods, instead providing incentives for organic farming. This shift was bolstered by legislation such as the Sikkim Agriculture, Horticulture, and Livestock Feed Regulatory Act of 2014. The organic farming methods adopted in Sikkim include green manuring, crop rotation, and the use of botanical pesticides, enhancing soil health and pest management. Farmers were encouraged to utilize organic materials like legumes and mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. Sikkim's government has taken further steps to ensure a stable market for its organic produce by establishing organic retail outlets and promoting sustainable tourism. The state’s achievements were recognized with the Future Policy Gold Award from the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization in 2018. Despite the successful transition to organic farming benefiting over 66,000 farmers, challenges remain for potential replication of this model in other parts of India. Critics point out that transitioning from synthetic fertilizers to organic can result in a yield loss that ranges from 50% to 60% during the initial phase, which could potentially discourage farmers from switching practices. Moreover, establishing dedicated market mechanisms for organic produce, such as Agricultural Produce Market Committees, is still lacking at a national level. Implementing incentives such as assured market prices and crop insurance could address concerns regarding financial stability for farmers making the transition. Experts suggest that government or third-party support is necessary for financial assistance during the initial phase of the switch to organic. While Sikkim’s agricultural practices have proven lucrative, replicating its success across India would require significant government intervention and innovative market solutions.