Have you ever heard the term India’s first fully organic state before this decade? I surely didn’t. Only in 2016, when a survey was conducted to determine the Indian state with the most organic farms and the highest adoption of organic practices, did Sikkim turn out to be leading the charge with a 100% adoption.
Later, it was even awarded the title of the first fully organic state of India by Prime Minister Modi. From that year forward, Sikkim has set an example that other states are desperately trying to follow.
Not only has the adoption of organic practices increased the lifespan of a citizen of Sikkim by 10 years, but brought forth greenery and tourism success over nearly a decade. On top of that, it has also contributed significantly to strengthening its economic conditions.
So, it’s worth asking what Sikkim is doing that sets it apart. Well, the truth is… not much.
Out of all the organic farmers in India I, Harisharan Devgan with my 25 years of organic farming experience, can tell you that Sikkim’s success lies in getting the fundamentals of organic farming right, with proper support from government officials. This is something I’ve long supported.
Okay, if you are curious what these fundamentals are that made Sikkim India’s first fully organic state. Here’s a quick rundown of these practices that anyone can adopt at their farm.
How Sikkim Becomes India’s First Fully Organic State
Okay, let’s start this journey from an eagle eyes perspective and take a look back at what fundamental plans the government makes to ensure success.
Policies and Education A Fundamental Shift In Mindset
The change began in 2003 with government officials deciding to go toward the adoption of organic farming.
Then the government moved on with dedicated plans to implement a complete phase-out of chemical fertilizers and pesticides all across the state of sikkim.
Complete Ban on Non-Organic Pesticides and Fertilizers
The first step began in 2004 when the government reduced the fertilizer subsidies to force importers from flooding the state. The progress was slow and steady and took almost a decade before producing substantial results.
By the time 2010s rolled around, the state almost completely weeded out the importers and established vermiculture hatcheries and processing units. Using these results as proof of concept under Sikkim Agriculture Horticulture and Livestock Feed Regulatory Act of 2014, all forms of non-organic pesticides and fertilizers.
Data Collection and Reeducation At The Individual Level
Now, banning all forms of non organic pesticides and fertilizer was just one side of the story. Any state that wants its people to adopt a significant change, then they must establish proper education drives to help people properly transition toward the desired outcome.
And for Sikkim the data collection and reeducation of the masses began as early as 2006. Before the swift toward the proper adoption drive the organic certification was handed to individual farmers. This was a slow process and the biggest bottleneck for the data collection from the actual land.
To fix this issue the government decided to reach out to certification agencies like Gangtok-based Mevedir in 2006. The new approach was simple, as National Programme for Organic Production guidelines rather than individual farmers now entire groups of farmers. Awareness towards the potential of becoming a capable organic farmer in India spread quickly, and spread quickly throughout the state of Sikkim.
Toward India’s First Fully Organic State: Nitty Gritty Details
Okay, now let’s go over the actual details of the practices Sikkim organic mission adopted to making them first organic farming state of India
Distribution Of Seed
To jump start the adaptation of the organic, first and foremost, the government decided to invest in acquiring better seed for organic farming in Sikkim. Around 66.0000 families took advantage of the support and accepted the seeds for their farms.
Reeducation For Handling Manure
Next comes to retrain the farmer to help them get the full potential from the manure. This step was necessary to ensure the longevity of the soil for the long time since there will be no chemical altering with the plants. The three types of manure focused for Sikkim organic mission were compost manure, green manure and bone meal. Let’s go over them one by one.
- Compost Manure: The primary type of manure emphasized for training under the Organic Sikkim Mission was compost manure. Throughout the state the reeducation drives helps groups of farmers relearn the important aspect like ideal carbon to nitrogen ratio for the farm and how to measure it, what should be the moisture level, role of microorganisms and most importantly how to properly gather and utilize kitchen scraps, agricultural residues, and green waste to create compost manure.
- Green Manure: Green manure refers to the practice of cultivating specific crops that are plowed back into the soil. During the Sikkim drives to reeducate the people specific training sessions are provided for building awareness toward how farmers can take advantage of green manure ability to increase the soil nutrients in the ground as well as prevent erosion. By incorporating the green manure the farmers are able to improve their land natural level of nitrogen as well as enhance soil fertility.
- Bone Meal: Within the mission, the next type of compost promoted among farmers was bone meal. While there was initial opposition to using bone meal, the education drive made it clear to farmers how it aids in root development and flowering by utilizing the phosphorus and calcium naturally present in it. Farmers quickly adapted to its use, and it eventually gained acceptance throughout the states.
Crop Rotation and Companion Planting
Next, a strong emphasis is placed on incorporating sustainable agricultural techniques such as crop rotation and companion planting for all farms in Sikkim. This was the backbone of a plan to become an organic farming in India with 100% adoption rate.
Simply put, since Sikkim took a pledge to become India’s first fully organic state they have completely banned the method of chemically altering crops or the land. It was crucial that farmer’s land soil continue to retain and replace its health. Let’s go over both crop rotation and companion planting to understand how farmers keep their soil healthy.
Adoption of Crop Rotation Practice
What makes the practice of crop rotation such a great alternative for conventional farming is its ability to rejuvenate the soil health while ensuring crop production for many successive seasons. Crop rotation essentially refers to the practice of utilizing different crops successfully in the field in a predetermined sequence. For example rice followed by maize, wheat, buckwheat, and various vegetables.
The reason is that after the harvest of rice, using any kind of bean crop will help increase the nitrogen content in the soil. This approach lowers the pressure on the land and allows the soil to maintain its vitality for a long time. During the education drive the farmers are taught what crop rotation practice is, how it is imperative to replenish soil nutrients, and allow multiple successful yields and soon the practice was adopted throughout the state.
Adoption of Companion Planting
Similarly the practice of companion planting is emphasised during the transition toward organic farming. In simple words it’s growing different plant species close together to take advantage of their natural abilities. This practice of intercropping allows the crops to be planted side by side, to work together, attracting beneficial insects and repelling pests, ensuring better conditions for both.
For example, it is common in the practice of companion planting, that onions are planted next to carrots. The logic behind this is simple: the biggest pest carrot faces are carrot flies; however, due to the natural fragrance of onion plants, carrot flies are deterred from hurting the carrots.
Managing Pest with Predators
Now the final key of the puzzle, how Sikkim India’s first fully organic state and states like Maharashtra, the second organic state in India manage their pests and predators. This is the most crucial step and only way to reduce reliance on non organic chemical pesticides. White there are many different techniques and methodology, the prominent one in Sikkim was the practice of nurturing insect predators.
The Sikkim Organic Mission places significant emphasis on nurturing insect predators as a key component of integrated pest management. Farmers are educated on the role of various insect predators in controlling pest populations naturally.
It is a key component of integrated pest management for the entire duration of the mission. First during the reeducation mission famer are taught how By fostering a balance between pests and their natural enemies, farmers can control and preserve the ecological environment of their farm. Then the practice was implemented. Mostly spiders, predatory beetles and a selected variety of wasps are distributed to the farmers.
Conclusion
What the Sikkim Organic Mission has achieved as India’s first fully organic state is a shining example of what the country is capable of. Thanks to these efforts, every citizen of Sikkim now lives 10 years longer.
For the past 25 years, I have been a strong advocate for the wide-scale adoption of organic farming. With Maharashtra on the verge of becoming the second organic state in India and other states following suit, we are demonstrating the capability to feed our large population. I assure you, it is just a matter of time before Indian consumers realize their dream of better, higher-quality organic food on their tables.
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