UN: Sikkim, the first 100% organic state receives “Future Political Award” medal

Sikkim, a small region of India has just won a UN grand prize for becoming the world’s first fully organic state.
The northeastern region reached the revolutionary milestone after it managed to educate and convert 66,000 farmers – all of them – into sustainable agricultural practices.

In addition to educating its farmers about organic agriculture, state policy has implemented the phasing out of chemical fertilizers and pesticides and a total ban on the sale and use of chemical pesticides.

Sikkim began its journey toward receiving statewide organic certification in 2003. Although it reached its goal in 2015, it just received the 2018 Future Policy Award earlier this week.

Dubbed the “Best Politics Oscar,” the gold award is given to the most promising national scheme, which shows the hope of improving global industries. In the past, competition focused on nuclear power, pollution and domestic violence.

This year’s award for “Best Acroecology Promotion Policies” was orchestrated by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Future Council (WFC).

Sikkim’s astonishing green policy has managed to beat 51 other nominations from 21 different nations.

In addition to proving that “100% organic is no longer a dream,” Sikkim showed how sustainable agriculture can deliver a range of socio-economic benefits in health, education, rural development and even tourism. Between 2014 and 2017 alone, the state benefited from a 50% increase in tourism.

“By intensifying agroecology, it is possible to combat malnutrition, social injustice, climate change and biodiversity loss. Through effective and holistic policies, we can transform our food systems so that they respect people and the planet, ”said Alexandra Wandel, WFC director.
“Policymakers around the world must follow their lead and step up similar exemplary political actions,” he concluded.

Vandana Shiva, environmentalist and president of Navdanya International, said “organic zones” are “zones of democracy.”
“Sikkim shows the world that it is possible to be 100% free of chemicals that destroy and defeat the forces that promote them.”

– Vandana Shiva