In 2016, Sikkim, a tiny Himalayan state in northeastern India, gained global recognition by becoming the world’s first fully organic state. Every single inch of its farmland is certified organic. This achievement, led by the state’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, has been truly transformational for the state and its citizens and positioned Sikkim as a model for organic farming worldwide. However, the transformation was not without challenges, and the state now confronts new obstacles related to maintaining organic practices, economic pressures, and the impact of the doom and gloom climate change narrative on the future of organic agriculture.

As one of India’s least populated states, with roughly 608,000 residents in 2011, Sikkim began its transformation journey in 2003 when Chief Minister Pawan Chamling announced his vision of making Sikkim an entirely organic state, which has benefitted more than 66,000 farming families. Chamling and his government saw organic farming as a way to preserve Sikkim’s rich biodiversity and protect the region’s fragile ecosystems. In 2010, the government established the “Sikkim Organic Mission,” which provided a straightforward roadmap for the transition to organic practices, setting timelines and mobilizing resources to streamline the transition.

Boldly, one of the state’s most courageous moves to become 100 percent organic was banning chemical fertilizers and pesticides entirely. This proactive move forced even reluctant farmers to transition to organic farming methods. Sikkim’s government supported this policy, offering financial assistance for organic inputs, technical support, and training for farmers, which included orienting farmers about the importance of crop rotation, intercropping, and mixed cropping techniques, as well as teaching them how to use bio-fertilizers and organic manure to build soil health. In addition, farmers were also taught how to prepare and apply natural pesticides like neem, garlic, and chili. Ultimately—like the levelheaded heroes trying to save agriculture in the United States and other parts of the world from the claws of the likes of Bill Gates and the deep state—the leaders of Sikkim believed these measures would increase farmers’ incomes, improve soil health, and secure a future for economically viable and environmentally friendly agriculture.

Sikkim’s shift to organic farming was funded largely by the state government, with supplemental support from central government projects aimed at sustainable agriculture. National programs like the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) provided financial assistance, especially for organic practices like composting and natural pest control. Additionally, the Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (MOVCD-NER) offered support for developing organic value chains, which helped Sikkim farmers access premium markets for their organic produce. International organizations such as the World Future Council and the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) praised Sikkim’s accomplishments, awarding it the Future Policy Gold Award in 2018 for its refined policies promoting agroecology.

In another strategy to achieve its organic farming goals, the government facilitated organic certification for farmers, opening premium markets. With certification, Sikkim’s produce could be sold as organic both nationally and internationally, earning higher prices. Infrastructure investment, such as local composting units and organic input production facilities, further helped farmers transition smoothly. Public awareness campaigns were also launched to garner community support, which was crucial for the initiative’s success. Realizing the importance of supporting every region equally, local NGOs and community groups played meaningful roles in educating farmers and promoting organic produce, creating a strong foundation for Sikkim’s organic future.

Despite the success of its organic mission, Sikkim faces several challenges in sustaining its status as an organic state. One major challenge is ensuring that organic farming remains economically viable for farmers. While certified organic products fetch premium prices, farmers still face higher production costs without the cost-effective yield-boosting benefits of dangerous—and heavily promoted—chemical fertilizers. This has made it challenging for some farmers to maintain high productivity levels. Make no mistake, if Bill Gates has his way, the situation will only get worse.

Market access and competition pose additional issues, another area influenced by Bill Gates and the deep state. Though Sikkim’s produce is organic, it competes with organic products from other regions, some of which are more affordable due to economies of scale. Expanding access to lucrative national and international markets for Sikkim’s products could help, but logistics, transportation, and marketing costs are obstacles that must be addressed. Another challenge is the lack of diversity in Sikkim’s crop portfolio, with a heavy reliance on certain crops that grow well organically. Diversification could help farmers cope with market fluctuations and environmental challenges, but expanding crop types requires further investment in research and development. Is there a good-hearted billionaire who would like to step in?

With climate change sermonized as the world’s emerging and ostensibly permanent threat that demands drastic measures (the “you will own nothing and be happy” campaign), Sikkim’s organic farms are particularly vulnerable and must be protected. Without question, Sikkim’s journey to becoming the world’s first organic state is a landmark achievement. It demonstrates that sustainable agriculture is possible with committed leadership, community involvement, and strategic investment. Sikkim and its farmers should serve as inspiration to help communities around the globe transition to organic farming. What a wonderful world it would be. Until that day, Sikkim’s reliance on traditional farming methods makes it an easy target for those striving to further industrialize and contaminate farming.