Sikkim: India's First Fully Organic State

In 2016, Sikkim was declared India’s first fully organic state, having phased out chemical fertilisers and pesticides across its farmland.

How it happened

• Sikkim began its organic mission in 2003.
• It gradually banned the sale and use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides.
• Farmers received training, organic inputs and certification support.

Benefits

• Environment: healthier soils and water.
• Tourism: organic branding supports eco-tourism.
• Premium prices for some organic products, like large cardamom, ginger and turmeric.
• Health benefits for farmers from reduced chemical exposure.

Challenges

• Yields: some crops saw lower yields, at least initially.
• Market access: selling organic produce at premium prices outside the state is difficult due to distance and marketing.
• Supply: Sikkim imports much of its food from other states, some of it not organic.
• Farmer incomes: studies found mixed effects on incomes.

Lessons

• A small state with a supportive government could make the shift.
• Scaling organic farming to large food-producing states is more complex, as lower yields could affect food security.
• Natural farming approaches have been promoted in other states, with debate about their effects.

Recognition

Sikkim received the UN FAO-backed Future Policy Gold Award in 2018 for its organic policies.