Sikkim’s profile as a global organic hub received a major boost with the participation of nearly 40 international buyers from 17 countries at the Sikkim Organic Conclave-cum-International Buyer Seller Meet (IBSM), significantly expanding export opportunities for the state’s farmers and producer groups.
Delegates from countries including South Korea, the UAE, Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Singapore, Norway, Kuwait and the United Kingdom attended the Buyer-Seller Meet, alongside around 20 leading Indian exporters such as NCEL, Basillia Organics, Flex Foods and Nexton.
The event also saw participation from nearly 100 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs/FPCs) from across Sikkim.
The conclave was organised by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority in collaboration with the Government of Sikkim and in association with IFOAM-Asia, according to a statement from the Commerce Ministry.
Officials said the initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote organic exports, strengthen market access, build capacity among farmer groups and exporters, and position Sikkim as a key contributor to India’s expanding organic export sector.
An exhibition featuring about a dozen exhibitors showcased Sikkim’s certified organic produce, including Large Cardamom, GI-tagged Dalle Khursani, Sikkim Mandarin, Buckwheat, Turmeric and Orchids.
The display highlighted the state’s export-ready organic diversity and drew strong interest from international buyers exploring long-term sourcing partnerships.
Sikkim’s organic journey has been central to its growing global recognition.
The state became India’s first fully organic state in 2016, allowing its produce to gain certification under APEDA’s export framework.
In 2018, Sikkim was awarded the Future Policy Gold Award by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization for its leadership in organic agriculture.
ALSO READ: Meghalaya MLAs travel by bus to New Shillong Township, CM unveils major projects
The conclave also saw the release of a knowledge report titled “Study on Supply Chain & Export Readiness for Organic Farm Products in Sikkim”, prepared by NICDC Logistics Data Services Ltd..
The report outlines a roadmap to strengthen Sikkim’s organic export ecosystem through improved infrastructure, streamlined logistics, enhanced aggregation, transparent price discovery and strategic global market positioning, while ensuring sustainability, traceability and farmer-centric growth.
In addition, a technical session was organised to familiarise stakeholders with the 8th edition of the National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP), focusing on updated regulations, certification standards and labelling requirements, aimed at improving export compliance and global competitiveness.
The conclave is being seen as a major step towards integrating Sikkim’s farmers and producer groups into global organic value chains, while reinforcing the state’s identity as a leading organic production and export destination.
