Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling has floated an idea of replacing fertiliser subsidy with incentives to promote organic farming in the country. Organic farming is a life-saving form of agriculture that also preserves the earth and environment, Chamling said batting for its adoption. Bihar and other northeastern States have sought the help of Sikkim in adopting organic farming.
Chamling was speaking during the launch of Sikkim State Co-operative Supply and Marketing Federation ltd (SIMFED)'s organic food products at Ashok Hotel on Wednesday. The northeastern State was declared the first organic State of the country by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2016 at an event in Gangtok.
"I asked the prime minister to provide us two times the sum of fertiliser subsidy given up by Sikkim. But he did not say anything about it," Chamling said. "If we do not go organic, our future will not be safe," Chamling said.
The vast range of SIMFED'S organic food products includes unpolished rice, organic flours, organic cereals, unpolished pulses, spices (Whole, Powdered). These will be introduced in the market soon in 500 grams and 1 kg packages. Organic pickles, jams and bakery products will also be launched shortly.
"I belong to a village family of environment lovers and nature worshippers.
The inspiration to transform Sikkim into a fully organic state came from there," he said.