High Quality Modern Organic Testing Lab at Sikkim Setups

· Let us set a target to export $ 1 billion dollar organic product by 2030 from existing $1 million dollar organic produce in Sikkim

· Centre is ready to set up National Institute of Design and National Institute of Packaging Campus in Sikkim if lands provided by the State Government

Sikkim being a fully organic state, Centre has decided to set up a high quality modern organic testing lab in the State to promote organic produce of the State, said the Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles, Piyush Goyal. He was addressing an interaction programme with Sikkim Chamber of Commerce & Industry representatives organised by FICCI at Gangtok on 17 February, 2023. He also urged to set a target to export $ 1 billion dollar organic product by 2030 from existing $1million dollar organic produce in Sikkim. The Minister also suggested for organic, sustainable and clean renewable energy. He suggested lab for organic testing in the State- farm to lab - traceability check. He also insisted to use existing infrastructure for up scaling economic activities.

He said that Sikkim has potential to become a sustainable State and an Organic State. He apprised that such achievements will give more value and leverage to boost tourism in the State. He stressed on local youth to work on design and packaging facility as well. He informed, Centre is ready to set up National Institute of Design and National Institute of Packaging Campus in Sikkim if lands are provided by the State Government.

In the afternoon, Piyush Goyal, chaired a review meeting with Government Officials here at the Conference hall of Tashiling Secretariat in Gangtok on 17 February, 2023. The meeting was attended by the Chief Secretary, Government of Sikkim, Vijay Bhushan Pathak and DC Gangtok, Tushar Nikhare and several other officers.

Piyush Goyal begin his tour today with an interactive meeting with the HoDs and Officers from various line departments on issues such as implementation of programmes and policies of Central Ministries such as Progress of PM Gatishakti, National Oil Palm Mission, Expenditure of MoCI, CAFPD and Textiles under GBD.

He also reviewed Rubber plantation and production for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, and mechanisms for Organic State such as Testing Facility, Blockchain and Exporting facility. Further, he said that large cardamom, spices, homestay and organic farming should be focused which will help the youth to become self-employed.

The Minister is on a three-day visits to Sikkim and will be meeting with Government Officials and stakeholders related to Commerce and Industries. (PIB)