The Hidden Valley of Rice- Sikkim

India is the 2nd largest rice-producing nation in the world. While major attention is given to states like Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, there is one state that goes unnoticed and is one of the leading agrarian examples in the country. Sikkim is the world's first organic state, but how did the 2nd smallest state in India achieve this feat and what were the challenges faced in the process?

Sikkim became the world's first organic state. Source: The Sikkim Times

Rice is one of the most consumed foods in the subcontinent. In India, over 109 million metric tons of rice were consumed in 2022. In a nutshell, it can be said that we Indians love to eat rice. Be it biryani, idli, curd rice, or plain basmati rice Indian cuisine is filled with variations of rice dishes. To meet such high demand crop production has to be exemplary. We rank 2nd in the list of the highest rice-producing nations thanks to India's agrarian culture. While many people would be aware of West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab, there is one state that goes unnoticed: Sikkim.

Sikkim is the 2nd smallest state in India bordering West Bengal, Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. The Tibetan name for Sikkim is Drenjong which means "valley of rice" while the Bhutanese name is Beyul Demazong, which means '"the hidden valley of rice". Its topography and climate greatly influence its unique agrarian culture. However, farmers in the region have faced numerous obstacles resulting in significant difficulties in survival and sustainability. The hilly terrain presents significant challenges for farmers in terms of crop cultivation and transportation. Terraced fields require a lot of manual labour. The unpredictable weather also affects the farmers' livelihoods with landslides, flash floods, and droughts. The area is also plagued by pests and diseases that pose a threat to crops.

The data graph showcases the increase in rice production in Sikkim. Source: ENVIS Sikkim

The rice cultivation process in Sikkim is labour-intensive and requires significant manual labour. Farmers have to prepare the terraced fields before planting the rice. The fields are tilled, and manure is added to enrich the soil. The rice seedlings are then transplanted by hand into the terraced fields. Once the rice is matured, it is harvested by hand, and the grain is separated from the chaff.

Sikkim has had success with rice farming despite its difficulties. To aid rice farmers, the government has put in place a number of programs and projects. To give rice farmers greater selling prospects, the Sikkim State Rice Milling and Selling Corporation Ltd were established. Additionally, the government provides subsidies for agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilizer, and irrigation tools.

The Sikkim government has launched various programs to help farmers, including the Organic Farming Mission. The program, which began in 2003, sought to become Sikkim the world's first organic state. The government educated farmers on the benefits of organic farming and encouraged them to practice it. Farmers might boost their production while also ensuring the land's sustainability. The project was difficult since it demanded a fundamental adjustment in mentality and farming practices.

However, the government was successful in raising farmer awareness of the benefits of organic farming. Farmers began to transition to organic agricultural practices with government assistance, which included training programs, organic input subsidies, and certification processes. The government's efforts paid off, as Sikkim was named the world's first organic state in 2016. Farmers' yields and revenue have grown as a result of organic farming, and Sikkim's organic product has garnered an international reputation. According to the Sikkim Government's Department of Agriculture, the state produced 86,800 metric tonnes of rice in 2020-21, up from 71,300 metric tonnes in 2010-11. The state has become a model for sustainable agriculture practices.