United Nations Awards Sikkim After It Becomes World’s First 100 Per Cent Organic State

Sikkim has been awarded the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation's (FAO) Future Policy Gold Award for setting the path for the world. Chief Minister of Sikkim Pawan Kumar Chamling received the award after his state became the first in the world to become first fully organic state, Business Today has reported.

Sikkim grabbed the Gold award beating 51 other nominations from all around the world.

The award which recognises world’s best laws and policies promoting agroecology is co-organised by FAO, World Future Council (WFC) and International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement (IFOAM) - Organics International.

Deputy Director of FAO, Maria Helena Semedo gave the award to the CM of Sikkim and praised the state for setting an example for others. "Sikkim is an outstanding example on how to successfully transform the food system and ensure respect for people and planet," she said.

Semeda also said that organic farming in Sikkim has a comprehensive and inclusive approach and it has benefited over 66,000 family farmers. It has led to rural development, expansion of market and consumption as well as sustainable tourism, she said.

"Let us build an organic world together," Chamling said while accepting the award.

"An organic world is definitely achievable. I also appeal to the world community that we do not carry out any kind of development work and business at the cost of the environment," CM said.