Modi in Sikkim: PM appreciates state's progress, clean environment, declares it India's first 'organic state'

"Sikkim has become a model for world by achieving new heights of development & ensuring conservation of environment at the same time," said PM Modi.

Gangtok: Branding the state as a 'model' for the world by achieving new heights of development & ensuring conservation of environment at the same time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday appreciated Sikkim's progress in farming and declared it as the first 'organic state' of India.

Addressing the national conference on sustainable agriculture in Gangtok, the Prime Minister spoke about revolutionising agriculture and farming in India.

"I have come here with agriculture ministers of all the states. We are here to discuss how to transform India's agriculture. It is for the first time that discussions went on to such deep levels. They have taken out actionable points and suggestions and some financial aspects along with new visions," he said.

Sikkim is progressing due to this thought and approach of @pawanchamling5: PM @narendramodi https://t.co/ErFDYeGx94 — PMO India (@PMOIndia) January 18, 2016

The Prime Minister added that certain states which have the potential to step up their efforts in farming and agriculture will be asked to do so.

He also appreciated Sikkim's efforts in organic farming and said that the state had come far in the particular field.

"When the idea of organic farming would have been shared over a decade ago I am sure people may have opposed this. What we are seeing today is the result of tremendous hardwork & belief in an idea," he said.

Branding Sikkim as a 'model state' for the world, the Prime Minister added that the state was developing successfully without harming the environment.

"It has been agreed by all nations that we have to change our lifestyle. We cannot exploit nature. We have to live in harmony with nature and go back to basics. At COP21, it was decided that you need to learn to love nature and Sikkim has proved just that. Nature is protected here and development is not compromised," he said.

Earlier today, Prime Minister Modi attended the flower in show in Gangtok where he named two Orchid varieties developed in Sikkim as Cymbidium Sardar and Lycaste Deendayal.

Sikkim Chief Minister Pawan Chamling named the third variety as Cymbidium Namo.

The Prime Minister is on a two-day visit to the northeast and on Tuesday, he will interact with the youth of Assam, students of IIT, NIT and central universities of the region.

"Tomorrow I will be in Assam where I will interact with the youth of Assam, students of IIT, NIT & central universities of the Northeast. Tomorrow I will address a public meeting of tribal communities in Kokrajhar and a youth rally in Khanapara, Guwahati," the Prime Minister tweeted. 

(With Agency inputs)