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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Sikkim Shows The Direction Towards A Natural Living

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Sikkim is a small state in India. It has done something extraordinary that has left everybody stunned. Measures taken up by the state have made us realize how many modern methods are a threat to nature. 

One of the most common practices in the modern world is the use of insecticides. Pesticides are chemically designed specially to get rid of unwanted insects. People usually buy pesticides to kill various insects which might cause harm to humans. 

Another common use of pesticides is by the farmers. They spray these chemicals on their field to keep out the harmful insects. These insects would cause great damage to the crops. Some pesticides also help in getting a higher yield. However, the cost of using these chemicals is deadly for nature. 

The extensive use of such pesticides affects the biodiversity of the environment. The toxins used in chemicals are released into the soil. The chemicals mix up with the soil and in turn contaminates the soil. In some cases, soils can lose their fertility as well. Rainwater washes the chemicals from the crops. The toxic substances are deposited into nearby lakes and ponds. The fishes and other aquatic animals often die after consuming contaminated water. 

Sikkim, a state in India has taken a revolutionary step. It has banned using any kinds of pesticides in the state. The government of the state has banned the import of materials like herbicides, synthetic fertilizers, pesticides & GMOs. 

All these measures were taken way back by the state. Sikkim has been practicing these methods since 2003. 2016 certified the state as the world’s first organic state. Several significant changes have been observed after adopting these measures. Crop yields have gone up significantly after switching to sustainable methods. Wildlife has also experienced a boost and is now flourishing in the Sikkimese forests.

Sikkim
Sikkim

SikkimAdapts To Sustainable Methods

Sikkim seems to have set a bar for the rest of the world. Governments from everywhere on the planet are trying to consider Sikkim’s method of dealing with the environmental turmoil. They have long prohibited the ban of substances like pesticides. 

The eighteen-year-long sustainable practices seem to have paid rich dividends to the welfare of the state. The state has managed to increase the canopy cover, reduced the amount of pollution, and flourishing wildlife. 

The change was very easy to initiate. Especially in a country like India, which depends largely on Agriculture. The going seemed to be tough at first. With no modern pesticides, farmers were left at a dead-end. 

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Sustainable and organic sources were soon deployed. This was the turning point for Sikkim heading towards an organic state title. Currently, India has a vast market for organic products. The estimated demands for organic products are almost $8m currently. The figures are speculated to cross the $12m mark soon. 

Sikkim: An Organic Success Story

Pawan Kumar Chamling was the protagonist of this movement. He asked a group of three hundred people to embrace the organic style of farming. Chamling also holds the record for holding the chief minister post for the most number of times. He spoke about the hurdles faced while trying to opt for organic methods. 

Chamling said that a chunk of the effort was invested in educating the people. The people were ignorant about this new kind of alternative. The officials prioritized education and tried to provide the locals as much information as possible. This gradually helped the cause and in no time Sikkim was an example to the world. The state has visions of more such initiatives. Sikkim has already enforced the No Plastic policy. Food joints of the state use paper plates or utensils made out of leaves. 

Also read: Pune Housing Complex Derives Electricity From Foods?

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