Chamling
urges Sikkimese to remain as global example in organic farming
GANGTOK, : Former Chief Minister Pawan Chamling,
on the occasion of the eighth Organic Day, has urged the Sikkimese to remain
committed towards the organic farming and set a global example as an organic
State.
“On the occasion of the 8th Organic
Day, 2024, let us recommit ourselves as Sikkimese people to the practice of
organic farming and let us set a global example of an organic State from where
the world learns of all best practices in the field of organic agriculture. I
wish the people of Sikkim a wonderful Organic Day 2024!” said Chamling in his
message.
Sikkim was declared as a fully Organic
State on January 18, 2016 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a remarkable feat
which has been celebrated worldwide. Sikkim received prestigious global awards
like the One World Award by Rapunzel in 2017 in Germany and Future Policy Gold
Award 2018 in Italy from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
Nations, IFOAM-Organics and World Future Council.
The former Chief Minister thanked the
State government officers, farmers, researchers, trainers and resources persons
who made Organic Sikkim possible. We would not be here without your dedication,
contribution and belief in the vision of Organic Sikkim, he said.
“Eight years since we achieved the
historic feat, more and more research has been done which validates the wide
reaching benefits of organic farming. A recent French study showed that birds
from organic farms show more vitality than those that live on conventional
farms. Another recent study showed that organically cultivated soil has diverse
microbiome which are key in suppressing plant disease. Furthermore, its contributions
to mitigating the greenhouse effect through the improved sequestration of CO2
in the soil cannot be further stressed,” said Chamling.
“Needless to say, research showcasing
the transformative benefits of organic farming is plenty. In this light, it is
a matter of pride for the Sikkimese people that we embraced organic agriculture
ahead of the world and showed that going fully organic is possible, thus
becoming a leader in the organic field.”
Chamling recorded the relevance of
organic farming at present times amidst the global warming-induced climate
change resulting in shifts in the ecosystem along with extreme weather events.
“With farming being a big contributor to climate change, we can only do our
part and embrace more sustainable forms of agriculture such as organic farming.
Whether we take heed of the many warnings and take responsibility for our
actions will determine the future of our planet,” he said.
“With Sikkim being the first fully
organic State in the world, we must not only practice organic farming, advocate
for the organic way and tap into the untapped organic market; we must also be a
global example of best practices in the field. Although we have achieved the
organic status, there is still a long way to go.”
On the occasion of the Organic Day
2024, the former Chief Minister urged the people of Sikkim to continue the
practice of organic farming and showcase to the world the State’s continued
leadership in the field.
“Our global community has to aspire
towards going fully organic and Sikkim has to play a critical role in that
journey. On Organic Day, I urge all practitioners of organic farming to pledge
to commit to this non-violent and sustainable form of agriculture not just for
today but for our future generations too.”
“Organic Agriculture has been the
mission of the SDF party and even while in the opposition, we have continued to
celebrate the organic program and philosophy. Our party has not veered even the
slightest from our commitment to the organic mission which has given Sikkim a
global brand name and even in the future, the SDF party will continue to take
the mission forward in full force,” said Chamling, also the SDF president, in
his message.
