PAKYONG: The first certified organic consignment of large cardamom from Sikkim, produced by Sikkim IFFCO Organics Limited (SIOL), Agriculture Department, Government of Sikkim, was officially flagged off today by the Minister for Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services and Fisheries Department, Mr Puran Gurung, along with MLA-cum Advisor for Information Technology (IT) and Land Revenue & Disaster Management Department,
Mr LB Das, at the Integrated Processing Facility, Rangpo.
The milestone marks a significant step in promoting Sikkim’s organic produce in national and international markets, while furthering efforts to support farmers, enhance export opportunities, and showcase the premium quality of Sikkim’s large cardamom to the world.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Mr Puran Gurung, shed light on the various initiatives undertaken by the department to strengthen and empower progressive farmers across the state. He stated that the successful dispatch of the first certified organic consignment of large cardamom, facilitated by Sikkim IFFCO Organics Limited (SIOL), marks a significant milestone in Sikkim’s agricultural journey, opening new avenues for farmers in the international export market.
He then added that this achievement reflects the state’s expanding capability in premium organic produce and apprised that the export consignment would not only elevate the market value of large cardamom but also enhance the visibility of Sikkim’s products on a global platform, thereby generating greater economic opportunities for local farmers, further emphasising the importance of involving the younger generation in agriculture, urging them to understand modern farming practices and explore agriculture as a sustainable source of livelihood.
Additionally, MLA cum Advisor, Mr LB Das commended the collaborative efforts of the Sikkim IFFCO Agriculture Department for successfully dispatching the first certified organic consignment of large cardamom from the state. He emphasised the need to enhance awareness at the grassroots level to ensure that progressive farmers fully benefit from such initiatives. He further assured to provide full support in uplifting the farming community and promoting the the state’s agricultural productivity.
Managing Director, SIOL, Dr S Anbalagan, IFS, highlighted that the export of Sikkim’s organic large cardamom marks a moment of pride for the state and informed that Sikkim IFFCO Organics Limited (SIOL) has identified four major cash crops Ginger, Turmeric, Buckwheat and Large Cardamom for value addition, promotion and market expansion, to enhance productivity across Sikkim while empowering local farmers.
Likewise, Secretary, Horticulture Department, Mr TT Bhutia, extended his congratulations and underscored that this milestone reflects broader achievements in the sphere of organic farming in Sikkim, noting that the initiative will not only benefit farmers but also elevate the global presence of the state’s cash crops.
Secretary, Agriculture Department, Mr Jigmee Dorjee Bhutia, IAS highlighted that the primary objective of the initiative is to deliver high-quality certified organic products for export markets, further urging the stakeholders to widely disseminate information regarding the organisation’s recent accomplishment to ensure maximum outreach and awareness.
Furthermore, PCCF-cum-Principal Secretary, Forest and Environment Department, Agriculture and Horticulture Department, Government of Sikkim, Dr Pradeep Kumar, IFS, emphasised on the long-term impacts and value of organic certification for cash crops. He stated that the initiative would benefit a large number of people and contribute to increased production. He then informed on the commencement of the Watershed Mahotsav from November 11, celebrating community participation in sustainable watershed management.
Likewise, Chairman, SIOL, Mr RK Basnett shed light on the declining rate of large cardamom production over the years and mentioned that the new collaborative approach in marketing, branding and value chain development would offer more opportunities to the farmers and stakeholders, while encouraging the younger generation in the field of agriculture.
The ceremony also had the presence of Chairperson Agriculture Department, Ms Lily Rai; Chairperson Horticulture Department, Ms Ongmit Lepcha; Deputy Mayor, Gangtok Municipal Corporation, Ms Tshering Palden Bhutia; Councillor, Rangpo Nagar Panchayat, Mr Pinku Kumar Prasad Principal Directors of Agriculture and Horticulture Department; Additional Directors from Agriculture and Horticulture Department; DFO Social Forestry along with officers from various line departments, members from Rangpo Nagar Panchayat, stakeholders and farmers.
- IPR Report
