: Saying that organic has become a way of life in the Himalayan State of Sikkim, Sikkim’s Principal Secretary Arvind Kumar, IFS on Saturday said that Goa can achieve the status of an organic state within 3-4 years if the state goes for organic farming now.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the National level special handloom Expo organized by the Sikkim Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation at the Ravindra bhavan, Margao, Arvind Kumar said Sikkim would be more than willing to guide and assist Goa’s plan to become organic. “Organic has become a way of life in Sikkim. Farmers no longer use pesticides and fertilizers for their crops. Our products such as vegetables and food items are in great demand in other parts of the country. All this has happened in the state due to the able leadership of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling”, he said.
Replying to a question, Kumar said that farmers do face initial problems in organic farming, but they need to be told and explained in advance how to overcome the teething problems. “Initially, during the first 4-5 years, there’s around 20 per cent less output in organic farming. But, let me tell you, we off set the less output by offering a high price for the farmers. People are ready to pay more for organic products. This is one way of overcoming the teething problems”, he said, adding that while there’s huge demand for organic products, the supply has failed to meet the requirements.
When asked whether the poor strata of society can afford to consume organic products because of the high price, Kumar said “yes, initially those who have money can afford to buy the organic products. Organic products may be beyond the reach of the poorer strata of society initially. But, when the supply meets the demand, the situation returns back to normal”.
On Goa government’s plan to emulate Sikkim and go for organic farming, Kumar said the government has taken the right decision. “I think Goa will be able to achieve the status within 3-4 years. Leave alone the entire state, I feel that even regions of a state can go for organic farming”, he said.
He said that any state can approach the government of Sikkim for assistance on organic farming and the state will be ever ready to extend a helping hand. “The State Agriculture Ministry should be approache by the state. We have a scheme wherein state officers are sent to other states to guide them on organic farming”, he added.
******
: The National level Special Handloom Expo organised by the Sikkim Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation got underway at the Ravindra bhavan, Margao on Sunday.
The Expo was inaugurated at the hands of Principal Secretary, Government of Sikkim Arvind Kumar, IFS in the presence of Margao Municipal Chairperson Babita Angle Prabhudesai, Margao police station in-charge, PI C L Patil and other officials.
A total of 80 stalls have been allotted to various weavers, Self Help Groups, Cooperative Societies from Manipur, Nagaland, Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, besides Sikkim.
After visiting the stalls and witnessing the live demonstration of handloom weaving, Arvind Kumar told the media that this is the first time that the National level special handloom Expo is being held outside Sikkim in Goa. ‘We settled for Goa for the simple reason that since Sikkim is located in the Himalayas, Goa is a land of beaches. We are confident that the people of Goa will accept the handloom products kept for display and sale at the Expo”, Kumar said.
He said the Expo will provide a platform for weavers, sellers and buyers to converge and create awareness vis-Ã -vis the handloom sector as an employment and income generation industry.
