Support pours in for organic farming

Sikkim's tryst with organic farming has crossed shores.
The International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM) has assured the Sikkim government of extending all necessary help to make its organic endeavours a success.
During the recently held Biofach 2007 at Nuremberg in Germany, Mr Gerard Herrman, president, IFOAM, assured Mr Somanth Poudyal, state agriculture minister, of supporting the organic farming in the state.
It may be recalled that Mr Poudyal had led a Sikkimese delegation to Germany to attend Biofach 2007, arguably the largest international fair on organic products. Senior officials from the agriculture department had accompanied the minister.
The three-day fair had concluded on 18 February. More than 2,500 exhibitors from 80 different countries participated in the mega event.
The Sikkim delegation returned from their successful study tour to Germany on 28 February.
During the fair, Mr Poudyal interacted with most of the international figures and international certification agencies to boost organic farming in the state.
He also gathered knowledge on how the infrastructure available in Sikkim could be utilised to produce organic fruits and vegetables.
Buoyed by the international exposure, the agriculture department has planned to hold a two-day seminar later this year, focusing on the organic strengths of entire North-east region.
IFOAM is likely to play a vital role in materialising this event with partial sponsorship from selected international bodies and the remaining funds being pooled in jointly from state and the Centre.
The Sikkim government is now planning to take part in Biofach 2008 to be held in Nuremberg, besides attending similar fairs in China, Japan, US and Latin America.

Courtesy: The Statesman

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