MUMBAI / GANGTOK — In a major push to elevate Sikkim’s agricultural profile on the international stage, a high-level delegation from the Farmers’ Welfare Board of Sikkim is currently participating in the prestigious Vitafoods India 2026 Expo in Mumbai. The three-day event, which serves as a premier gateway for the nutraceutical and dietary supplement sectors, has become the launching pad for Sikkim’s “Farm-to-Formulation” strategy.
Led by Chairman Shri Padam Prasad Sharma, along with board members Shri Chandra Kumar Sharma, Smt. Samjana Rai, and Shri Hemant Dawari, the delegation is showcasing Sikkim’s unique competitive edge as India’s first 100% organic state. The primary goal of this engagement is to move local farmers beyond traditional crop cultivation and integrate them into the high-value global wellness economy.
Key Highlights of the Initiative:
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Direct Industry Linkages: The Board is facilitating direct connections between Sikkim’s organic growers and global manufacturers to ensure better price realization for farmers.
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Nutraceutical Focus: Sikkim’s organic produce is being positioned as a premium raw material for the health and wellness industry, which increasingly demands certified organic ingredients for supplements and functional foods.
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Sustainable Livelihoods: By establishing these market-oriented linkages, the state government aims to transition rural farming from subsistence to a commercially viable and sustainable model.
Strategic Meeting with Former Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari
Adding further momentum to their visit, the Board members met with Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari, former Governor of Maharashtra and former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, at Lok Bhawan in Mumbai on Friday. During the interaction, Shri Koshyari shared his extensive perspectives on strengthening the Himalayan agricultural sector.
He advised the delegation to focus on diversification, specifically into the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic herbs, which hold immense market potential while maintaining the region’s delicate ecological balance. He emphasized the importance of collective organization and capacity building, urging the Board to empower farmers through modern, market-driven practices.
The Farmers’ Welfare Board reaffirmed its commitment to these goals, noting that the insights gained from both the Vitafoods Expo and these high-level interactions will be instrumental in shaping the next phase of Sikkim’s organic revolution. As global demand for clean-label and organic products surges, Sikkim’s proactive outreach is expected to open new doors for the state’s farming community, ensuring that “Brand Sikkim” remains a leader in the global organic market.
