New Delhi: Agriculture Secretary S K Pattanayak said that, Sikkim, which is a fully organic state, should mentor other states in marketing of organic produce.
He also said that, with increasing urbanisation, the Sikkim State Cooperative Supply and Marketing Federation (SIMFED) should make cities a hub for marketing of organic products. There are many difficulties while marketing of organic products, but there are great opportunities, he was talking at the launch of the state organic products marketed by SIMFED.
He said, now with growing urbanisation, cities can be a hub for marketing of these products, marketing of organic products was difficult 20 years back.
The secretary suggested that, "Sikkim is marketing state-grown organic cardamom, turmeric, ginger and bulk wheat only. They should also mentor other states in marketing of organic produce."
Pattanayak said that, Sikkim has shown the way for the rest of the country in organic farming, now it has become a people's movement. So much so that fertiliser cooperative IFFCO is partnering to market the organic produce.
The central government is running two schemes including the Mission on Organic Value Chain Development to promote organic farming. The launch of 35 certified organic food products including unpolished rice and pulses will help farmers.
The cooperative is working with about 5,000 farmers in the state, which has 3,013 hectares under organic farming, said SIMFED Managing Director Roger R Rai.
At the event, Sikkim Agriculture Minister Somnath Poudyal and senior officials SIMFED and state horticulture department were also present.
Source: http://www.thehindu.com/
