NewKerala.com

Sikkim's Organic Conclave Attracts 40 Global Buyers from 17 Nations

The Sikkim Organic Conclave and International Buyer Seller Meet in Gangtok attracted around 40 buyers from 17 countries, including South Korea, the UAE, and the UK. Organized by APEDA with the Sikkim Government, the event showcased certified organic products like Large Cardamom and GI-tagged Dalle Khursani to expand global market access. A knowledge report was released outlining a roadmap to strengthen Sikkim's organic export ecosystem through improved infrastructure and farmer-centric growth. Sikkim, recognized as India's first fully organic state in 2016, aims to become a major contributor to the country's organic export sector.

Key Points: Global Buyers Flock to Sikkim Organic Conclave to Expand Exports

  • 40 buyers from 17 countries attended
  • Sikkim is India's first fully organic state
  • Event featured GI-tagged Dalle Khursani and other produce
  • Roadmap report released to strengthen export ecosystem
  • Aims to position Sikkim as key organic export hub
2 min read

40 buyers from 17 countries at Sikkim organic conclave expand market access

40 international buyers from 17 countries attended Sikkim's Organic Conclave, boosting market access for India's first fully organic state's certified produce.

"APEDA continues to promote organic exports, expand market access, build capacity among FPOs and exporters - Commerce Ministry"

New Delhi, Feb 28

Around 40 buyers from 17 countries including South Korea, the UAE, Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Singapore, Norway, Kuwait and the United Kingdom, attended the Buyer-Seller Meet in Gangtok, Sikkim, it was announced on Saturday.

Nearly 20 leading Indian exporters, including NCEL, Basillia Organics, Flex Foods and Nexton, also participated, with approximately 100 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs/FPCs) from Sikkim.

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), in collaboration with the Sikkim Government and in association with IFOAM-Asia, organised the Sikkim Organic Conclave-cum-International Buyer Seller Meet (IBSM), said Commerce Ministry in a statement.

Through initiatives such as the Organic Conclave-cum-IBSM, APEDA continues to promote organic exports, expand market access, build capacity among FPOs and exporters and position Sikkim as an important contributor to India's growing organic export sector.

An exhibition featuring around 12 exhibitors showcased Sikkim's certified organic products, including Large Cardamom, GI-tagged Dalle Khursani, Sikkim Mandarin, Buckwheat, Turmeric and Orchids.

It highlighted the State's diverse and export-ready organic produce and attracted interest from international buyers.

Sikkim became India's first fully organic state in 2016, enabling its produce to gain recognition under APEDA's export certification system.

The state was conferred the Future Policy Gold Award by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in 2018 in recognition of its leadership in organic agriculture.

A knowledge report titled "Study on Supply Chain & Export Readiness for Organic Farm Products in Sikkim" was also released.

Prepared by NICDC Logistics Data Services Ltd. (NLDSL), the report outlines a roadmap to strengthen Sikkim's organic export ecosystem through improved infrastructure, streamlined processes, enhanced aggregation, transparent price discovery and strategic market positioning.

It identifies measures to improve export competitiveness while ensuring sustainability, traceability and farmer-centric growth.

According to the official statement, a technical session was also conducted to sensitise stakeholders on the 8th Edition of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), covering updated regulations and labelling requirements.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Dalle Khursani getting GI tag and now international interest? Amazing! This is how we should be promoting our unique regional produce. It brings real income to our farmers and puts India on the global organic map. Well done APEDA and Sikkim government!
R
Rohit P
Great initiative, but the real challenge is the supply chain and infrastructure mentioned in the report. Getting produce from Sikkim's hills to international ports efficiently and cost-effectively is key. Hope the roadmap is implemented quickly.
S
Sarah B
As someone who tries to buy organic, it's encouraging to see this growth. Sikkim Mandarin is delicious! Hope this market access means more certified organic Indian products will be available locally at reasonable prices too, not just for export.
V
Vikram M
Respectfully, while the conclave is good, we need to ensure the farmers are the primary beneficiaries. Sometimes middlemen and exporters take the lion's share. The report talks of 'farmer-centric growth' - that must be the absolute focus. Jai Kisan!
K
Kavya N
Buckwheat and turmeric from Sikkim are so good for health. This is a perfect blend of our ancient agricultural wisdom and modern export strategy. Proud moment for the Northeast and for India.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50