Sikkim is Looking for Investments in Tourism, Agriculture, and Livestock Sector from the US

Sikkim is asking US investors and businesses to look at business prospects in the state's tourism, agricultural, horticulture, and livestock industries.

Lok Nath Sharma, Sikkim's Minister of Agriculture and Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, and Veterinary Services, is now in the United States for talks with industry executives and officials.

Sharma told PTI in an interview that US businesses and corporations could consider investing in Sikkim in areas including as tourism, horticulture, agriculture, animal products, and agro-based industries.

The minister stated that he has met with numerous representatives who have shown an interest in learning more about the Sikkim government's commercial and investment potential.

According to Sharma, Sikkim is focused on enhancing the economic and general development of the state's farmers and rural people under the leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang.

"We tell investors who come to Sikkim to invest that we would provide all facilities, including consultation and one window clearance in sectors such as livestock and tourism," he added.

One of the main goals of his visit is to get a NOP (National Organic Program) certification certificate from the US Department of Agriculture, which will allow Sikkim's organic goods to be marketed in international markets.

In a statement, the Sikkim government claimed that receiving NOP certification from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) will greatly assist the Sikkim State Organic Certification Agency (SSOCA) in securing economic prospects as a certifying agency.

Previously, India's Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority granted certifying organizations accreditation for NOP standards. Because that power has been revoked, the USDA is now directly authorizing certification entities, according to the USDA.

Sikkim, according to the minister, is one of the top producers of huge cardamom, ginger, and turmeric.

Sikkim's high-quality organic products have a large market in the United States, which would directly assist the state's farmers.

Sharma is leading a group that includes Dr S Anbalagan, CEO of the Sikkim Organic Farming Development Agency (SOFDA), Sudhir Giri, and Binita Chettri, Quality Manager of the Sikkim Organic Farming Development Agency (SSOCA).

In 2016, Sikkim became India's first totally organic state.

He stated that his administration is working on bringing a white revolution to the dairy industry, as well as agriculture and animal husbandry, and is interested in agro-based tourism through 1,000 homestays.

Tourists will be able to dwell in rural regions and have access to organic food and services as part of this programme.

Last year, Sikkim was declared the country's 'Most Film Friendly State' at the 67th National Film Awards. Sikkim was recognised for standing out as a new filming location in the country. Sikkim, according to Sharma, has a lot of natural beauty, and he actively encourages others in the entertainment business to come and film there.

His administration would offer incentives to production companies shooting in Sikkim, as well as chances to local filmmakers and artists.

All of these efforts, he noted, are geared at increasing job creation and economic growth in the state.