Gangtok: Sikkim’s Minister of Agriculture and Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Departments Lok Nath Sharma, who is currently on a visit to the US to explore business opportunities in the sectors of tourism, agriculture, horticulture, and livestock products, said the government of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang is focussed on boosting the economic growth of farmers and rural population of the state.

Sharma said when the government, headed by Tamang, came into power in 2019, it focussed on the benefit of farmers through various schemes including the Mukhya Mantri Krishi Atmanirbhar Yojana.

He said in the dairy sector, the government is focusing on bringing a white revolution, to agriculture and animal husbandry and is also keen on agro-based tourism through 1,000 homestays.

Under this, tourists will get an opportunity to live in rural areas and avail of organic food and facilities.

In the US, the minister shared that he has met several industry representatives and they have expressed their interest to explore business and investment opportunities being provided by the Sikkim government.

Sharma said US investors and companies should look into investing in Sikkim in sectors such as tourism, horticulture, agriculture, livestock products, and agro-based sectors, Sharma told PTI in an interview here.

“We assure that we will give all facilities to investors who will come to Sikkim to invest, including liaising, single-window clearance in sectors such as livestock and tourism,” he said.

The minister said that Sikkim is one of the highest producers of large cardamom and ginger and turmeric.

The US provides a very big market for Sikkim’s high-quality organic products and this will benefit the state’s farmers directly.

Sharma is heading the delegation that comprises Sikkim Organic Farming Development Agency (SOFDA) CEO Dr S Anbalagan, SSOCA CEO Sudhir Giri, and SSOCA Quality Manager Binita Chettri.

They held a series of meetings and discussed areas of cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, horticulture and animal husbandry as well as creating facilities and infrastructure for the processing and marketing of organic commodities.

The delegation will visit Washington, Florida, and other cities over the next few days.

Sikkim was declared India’s first fully organic state in 2016.

Sharma stressed that people are now very conscious of their health, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

With a view to boosting tourism and giving a fillip to job creation, his government is also focusing on developing a film city in the state, which is rich in natural beauty and scenic resources.

Sikkim was awarded the ‘Most Film Friendly State’ of the country at the 67th National Film Awards last year. The award was received by the state’s Information and Public Relations Minister Lok Nath Sharma in New Delhi from Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu.

Sikkim was recognised for standing out as a new destination for shooting films in the country.

Sharma said Sikkim has abundant natural beauty and he wants to encourage people from the entertainment industry to come and shoot in the state.

His government will provide incentives to production houses that shoot in Sikkim and provide opportunities for the local filmmakers and artists.

He added that all such measures are aimed at boosting job creation and economic growth in the state.