PM Narendra Modi to visit Sikkim on Monday

Gangtok: Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to Gangtok beginning on Monday, Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday said a new chapter is set to begin in the history of the State with its acknowledgement as an "Organic State".

"This will not only boost the organic farming in the state and the surrounding region, but would also help in the growth of economy and generation of new avenues of vocation for the youth," said Singh, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), who arrived in Gangtok today.

Soon after his arrival, Singh reached Raj Bhawan where he was received by Governor Shriniwas Patil. In a meeting, they discussed in detail the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's 2-day visit to the state.

Later, he also held a meeting with Chief Minister Pawan Kumar Chamling following which he convened a meeting with senior officers of the State Administration, an official statement said.

During his two-day visit, the Prime Minister will address the valedictory session of the National Conference of Agriculture Ministers of different states being organised by the Union Ministry of Agriculture in collaboration with the Union Ministry of DoNER and the State Government of Sikkim. Before his departure on Tuesday, the Prime Minister will also visit the venue of Sikkim Organic Festival.

"A new chapter is set to begin in the history of Sikkim with its acknowledgement as an Organic State," Singh said.

The Union Minister said that organic farming Mission was initially conceptualised in the Ministry of DoNER and he was glad that it is being carried forward by the Union Ministry of Agriculture which has better infrastructure and resources for the purpose. "However, the Ministry of DoNER will be rendering the logistic support and every other possible assistance for successful accomplishment of organic farming dividends," he added.