The 'World's First Fully Organic State' is in India; its name begins with the letter 'S'
We can’t deny that organic living is the only way to save our planet and future! It is a growing trend across the globe but quite quietly one Indian state led a green revolution long before it became the hub of fashion. Set in the Eastern Himalayas, in North East India, Sikkim is the ‘World’s First Fully Organic State ’. Not many must be aware of this remarkable global distinction which is recognised by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
However, Sikkim’s journey wasn’t an easy one. Let’s have a look how a small state achieved such a prestigious feat and made our country proud on the global front:
A transformative vision: Sikkim’s transformation started in 2003, when the Sikkim government planned an ambitious green project led by then Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling. The CM announced that the whole state would go organic in near future. It sounded like an impossible proposal when the announcement was made as India was heavily dependent on chemicals and pesticides to boost its agricultural production. But, they say “Where there is a will there’s a way” for a reason, and Sikkim was willing to make this change anyhow.
So, for the next 10 years, the Sikkim government planned everything carefully in a phased manner. In no time, the state stopped using chemical fertilisers, and started working towards making people aware of the cons of such products. A number of campaigns were launched, and Sikkim farmers were trained in organic farming . It can’t be denied that the transformation wasn’t easy and required patience, trust, and a cultural shift toward eco-conscious agriculture.
Understanding Fully Organic
The dream mission turned into reality by 2016 when Sikkim officially achieved its goal. 100% of its farmland (more than 75,000 hectares) was certified organic which means that no synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are used in its agricultural processes.
Crops like ginger, turmeric, cardamom, and buckwheat are grown using only natural methods. The state’s success isn’t just in cultivation. Sikkim has created an organic ecosystem — from production to certification, marketing, and consumption. Organic retail outlets, eco-tourism initiatives, and organic food festivals have helped create a new economic and cultural identity for the state.
Sikkim’s dedication in becoming organic attracted global attention and its revolution was praised worldwide. The state received the prestigious UN FAO ’s Future Policy Gold Award in 2018. The award, which is also referred to as the “Oscar for best policies”, made headlines and it was the first time this prestigious award was given to an Indian state. The FAO called Sikkim a “trailblazer for the entire world,” noting that its policies could inspire similar initiatives globally.
Bamboo bottles revolution
Soon after, Sikkim introduced bamboo bottles as a sustainable replacement for plastic ones and completely banned the products that would harm nature. These bamboo bottles are natural, reusable bottles and now used across Sikkim. Even tourists are not allowed to carry plastic bottles in the state.
The success has also boosted eco-tourism in the region. Tourists come not only for the breathtaking landscapes and monasteries but also to experience the organic way of life — from farm stays to organic meals in local homestays.
Sikkim’s remarkable journey is a reminder that even a small thought can change the course of life!
However, Sikkim’s journey wasn’t an easy one. Let’s have a look how a small state achieved such a prestigious feat and made our country proud on the global front:
A transformative vision: Sikkim’s transformation started in 2003, when the Sikkim government planned an ambitious green project led by then Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling. The CM announced that the whole state would go organic in near future. It sounded like an impossible proposal when the announcement was made as India was heavily dependent on chemicals and pesticides to boost its agricultural production. But, they say “Where there is a will there’s a way” for a reason, and Sikkim was willing to make this change anyhow.
So, for the next 10 years, the Sikkim government planned everything carefully in a phased manner. In no time, the state stopped using chemical fertilisers, and started working towards making people aware of the cons of such products. A number of campaigns were launched, and Sikkim farmers were trained in organic farming . It can’t be denied that the transformation wasn’t easy and required patience, trust, and a cultural shift toward eco-conscious agriculture.
Understanding Fully Organic
The dream mission turned into reality by 2016 when Sikkim officially achieved its goal. 100% of its farmland (more than 75,000 hectares) was certified organic which means that no synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are used in its agricultural processes.
Crops like ginger, turmeric, cardamom, and buckwheat are grown using only natural methods. The state’s success isn’t just in cultivation. Sikkim has created an organic ecosystem — from production to certification, marketing, and consumption. Organic retail outlets, eco-tourism initiatives, and organic food festivals have helped create a new economic and cultural identity for the state.
Sikkim’s dedication in becoming organic attracted global attention and its revolution was praised worldwide. The state received the prestigious UN FAO ’s Future Policy Gold Award in 2018. The award, which is also referred to as the “Oscar for best policies”, made headlines and it was the first time this prestigious award was given to an Indian state. The FAO called Sikkim a “trailblazer for the entire world,” noting that its policies could inspire similar initiatives globally.
Bamboo bottles revolution
Soon after, Sikkim introduced bamboo bottles as a sustainable replacement for plastic ones and completely banned the products that would harm nature. These bamboo bottles are natural, reusable bottles and now used across Sikkim. Even tourists are not allowed to carry plastic bottles in the state.
The success has also boosted eco-tourism in the region. Tourists come not only for the breathtaking landscapes and monasteries but also to experience the organic way of life — from farm stays to organic meals in local homestays.
Sikkim’s remarkable journey is a reminder that even a small thought can change the course of life!
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