Karnali province of Nepal wants to learn from Sikkim how to turn organic.

A seven member visiting delegation from the Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives, Govt. of Karnali, Nepal, today called on the Minister Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sciences Lok Nath Sharma at his chamber.

The visiting delegation led by the Secretary, Ministry of Land Management, Agriculture and Cooperatives, Govt. of Karnali, Lekh Raj Dahal, shared the objectives of the ongoing study tour in Sikkim and expressed keen interest in learning from the organic farming of Sikkim in transforming the province of Karnali into one of the organic states in Nepal.

Sikkim became India’s first fully organic state in 2016. It took the state 13 years to fully implement organic farming since the idea was mooted way back in 2003. The Government of Sikkim stepped into Organic Mission process from 2003, the year when it stopped imports of chemical fertilizers in the State.

In fact Sikkim is the first organic state in the world and in 2018 Food and Agricultural Organisation gave it the “Oscar for best policies”.

"All of its farmland is certified organic. At the same time, Sikkim’s approach reaches beyond organic production and has proven truly transformational for the state and its citizens. Embedded in its design are socio economic aspects such as consumption and market expansion, cultural aspects as well as health, education, rural development and sustainable tourism" FAO had said adding Sikkim sets an excellent example of how other Indian states and countries worldwide can successfully upscale agroecology.

He also made a presentation on the existing scenario of agriculture and challenges in organic missions in Karnali.

Sikkim Minister Lok Nath Sharma welcomed the visiting delegates and shared the process of transforming the state into a complete organic-certified state and implementing organic practices. He also touched upon the newly launched initiatives to promote agriculture and livestock farming in Sikkim.

He assured to extend possible support for the promotion of organic farming and presented Sikkim's organic products.

The visiting delegation comprised Babita Adhikari, Associate Professor, TU, Arun Thapa Programme Specialist, Dhan Bdr. Kathayat Spokesperson, Bhola Shrestha Organic Agri. Expert, Ganesh Adhikari Agriculture Economist, Sagar GC Team Leader LI-BARD, and Senior Officer, Raju Bhuj.

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