Sikkim

Small but Beautiful

State Facts

Area: 7096 Sq. km

Population (2011): 610,577

Literacy: 82.2%

Capital: Gangtok

Major crops and resources for economic upliftment

Agriculture is the main stay of rural population of Sikkim. The major agricultural and horticultural crops of Sikkim are Rice, Maize, Finger Millet, Barley, Wheat, Urd, Pea, Soyabean, Mustard, Potato, Sweet Potato, Large Cardamom, Chilly, Turmeric, Coriander, Ginger, Mandarin, Banana, Papaya, Litchi, Guava, Jack Fruit, Brocolli, Iskus, Tomato, Cauliflower, Pumpkin, Tree Tomato, Brinjal, Carrot, Radish, Cabbage. Sikkim accounts for the largest share of cardamom production in India, and is the world's second largest producer of the spice after Guatemala. Sikkim achieved its ambition to convert its agriculture to fully organic over the interval 2003 to 2016, the first state in India to achieve this distinction. It is also among India's most environmentally conscious states, having banned plastic water bottles "in any government functions and meetings" and polystyrene products (throughout the state). Horticultural activities in the State comprise of activities that aim at promoting production of fruits such as Sikkim mandarin, pear, kiwi, papaya, banana as well as traditional vegetables such as bean, garden pea and other vegetables like tomato, cole crops, radish, etc. Other cucurbits such as chayote, potato and spice crops like large cardamom, ginger, turmeric, cherry pepper and flowers such as cymbidium orchids, rose, lilium, gladioli, anthurium, carnation, gerbera, alstroemeria and zantedeschia. The activities relating to promotion of non- traditional practices like bee keeping, mushroom cultivation, plantation of bamboo and medicinal plants have been intensified to add greater diversification. The significance of horticulture in improving land use, promoting crop diversification, generating employment and providing nutritional security to people has been recognized by and large by common man, general public, framers and programme implementers. Hence, horticulture features as an important area in the overall policy framework for development in the State.