India’s first organic state Sikkim has won the ‘Oscar for best policies’ conferred by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) for the world’s best policies promoting agro-ecological and sustainable food systems.
The ‘Future Policy Award’ received by the Chief Minister of Sikkim Pawan Kumar Chamling in Rome on 15 Oct 2018 recognised the state’s leadership and political will to lead by example. The award was co-organized by FAO, World Future Council and IFOAM- Organics International
FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANISATION (FAO)
- It is a specialized agency of the United Nations, serving both developed and developing countries that leads international efforts to defeat hunger.
- It was formed on 16 October 1945 in Quebec, Canada and has its headquarters in Rome, Italy.
- It helps developing countries to modernize and improve agriculture, forestry and fisheries practices, ensuring good nutrition and food security.
OURNEY OF SIKKIM TOWARDS A 100% ORGANIC STATE
- 2003: Sikkim adopted a resolution to switch to organic farming.Organic farming to ensure soil fertility, protection of environment and ecology.Healthy living, decreasing the risk of health ailments.
- Policy phased out chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
- Achieved a total ban on sale and use of chemicals and pesticides in the state.
- Sikkim stopped imports of chemical fertilisers.
- Farmers using organic manure.
- 2010: Sikkim Organic Mission launched that provided seeds and manure and trained farmers in organic farming practices.
- Organic farming is also attracting large number of tourists to the state.