The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today inaugurated the Sikkim Organic Festival 2016, and addressed the Plenary Session of the National Conference on Sustainable Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, at Gangtok in Sikkim.
Five presentations on reports of different groups of State Agriculture Ministers, Agriculture Production Commissioners and Agriculture Secretaries were made to the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister digitally launched the logo of “Sikkim Organic.” He launched three new Orchid species developed in Sikkim.
The Prime Minister handed over to the Chief Minister of Sikkim, Shri Pawan Chamling, two commendations for its journey towards total organic farming. He also handed over commendations for two districts of Sikkim for achieving 100 percent coverage of soil health cards.
In his address, the Prime Minister paid homage to former Governor of Sikkim, Shri Rama Rao.
He praised Sikkim Chief Minister Shri Pawan Chamling for his vision of welfare for farmers and tribes. He credited this vision for the development that the State is witnessing. He said the welfare and development issues raised by the Chief Minister would be looked into by the Union Government.
The Prime Minister said he is in Sikkim as the guest of the farmers of the State. He said the deliberations during the Conference had set the tone for a new holistic vision for the country's agriculture. He said all States could pick up the relevant parts from the presentations, which he said, should be remembered as “Sikkim Declaration.”
The Prime Minister described Sikkim as an example of resolve despite difficulties and struggle, towards organic agriculture. He sad today the whole world had recognised this effort of the farmers of Sikkim. He said the winds of this organic effort would now spread across the country.
The Prime Minister recalled the recent CoP-21 meeting in Paris, where the idea of “back to basics” had been raised forcefully. He said Sikkim has already achieved that feat of living in harmony with nature, and is therefore a model of development which also protects nature.
The Prime Minister complimented Sikkim for Gangtok being rated as the 10th cleanest city in a survey conducted by the Government of India.
The Prime Minister exhorted States to identify a district, or even a block, to convert to a 100 percent organic area. This he said, would catalyse the process in other parts of the State.
Referring to the recently announced crop insurance scheme, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, the Prime Minister said the scheme had instilled confidence among farmers, and efforts should be made to increase coverage of insurance.
The Prime Minister said farmers have to be motivated for schemes such as soil health card. He said a network of soil laboratories should come up across the country, and even school labs could be used during summer holiday months for this purpose.
The Prime Minister said there was need for special products such as Kisan Mobile Phone, which catered to the special needs and requirements of farmers. He said perhaps Start-ups could take a lead in this direction.
He reiterated his suggestion for a small amount of fruit juice to be mixed with aerated drinks. He said organic exports would receive a huge boost with the building of an airport in Sikkim. He said the vision behind rural roads was also to connect agricultural produce with markets. He said tree plantation and animal husbandry should also become an integral part of farming activities.
The Prime Minister suggested that a digital online platform of progressive farmers should be developed in each State.
At the flower show, PM @narendramodi unveiled three new Orchid varieties developed in Sikkim. pic.twitter.com/lmPLfLtFsI
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 18, 2016
PM named two Orchid varieties developed in Sikkim Cymbidium Sardar & Lycaste Deendayal. Sikkim CM named the 3rd one Cymbidium Namo.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 18, 2016
PM begins his speech by paying tribute to Shri V Rama Rao, who served as the Governor of Sikkim.
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 18, 2016
CM @pawanchamling5 was very kind with his words. And he only spoke about the well being of Sikkim and aspirations of the people: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 18, 2016
Sikkim is progressing due to this thought and approach of @pawanchamling5: PM @narendramodi https://t.co/ErFDYeGx94
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 18, 2016
I have come here with agriculture ministers of all the states. We are here to discuss how to transform India's agriculture: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 18, 2016
When the idea of organic farming would have been shared over a decade ago I am sure people may have opposed this: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 18, 2016
What we are seeing today is the result of tremendous hardwork & belief in an idea: PM appreciates Sikkim's progress in organic farming
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 18, 2016
It has been agreed by all nations that we have to change our lifestyle. We cannot exploit nature. We have to live in harmony with nature: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 18, 2016
Sikkim is a state where the environment is protected and at the same time it is scaling new heights of development: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 18, 2016
Let us identify a district (or a block, Taluka) and ensure organic farming becomes successful in that: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 18, 2016
PM @narendramodi is talking about the crop insurance scheme at the conference of state agriculture ministers. https://t.co/Iy8hu3Nre5
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 18, 2016
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana instills confidence in the farmers. We should integrate as many farmers as possible with this scheme: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 18, 2016
Can we give importance to value addition? And that too at a decentralised level: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 18, 2016
Why can't we bring together the work of all progressive farmers on an online portal? So that everyone can know more about their work: PM
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 18, 2016
