Organic farming in Sikkim to be 'role model' for northeast

The launch of the organic farming mission in Sikkim will be a role model for the other northeastern states to start similar projects, DoNER Minister Jitendra Singh said on Tuesday.

"The Organic Farming Mission will be a role model for other states to follow. Though a very small state, Sikkim is very progressive and development-oriented," the minister for the Development of North Eastern Region told reporters here.

He said Sikkim's growth rate of 22.8 percent in the 11th five-year plan was proof that the state could emerge as the most developed one of the northeast.

"DoNER is committed to supporting major development projects in Sikkim and will also coordinate with other ministries to expedite the projects under their purview," he said.

Giving details of some of the landmark projects in the offing, Jitendra Singh said the Greenfield airport at Pakyong, near the Sikkim capital Gangtok, is expected to be ready in 2017 at a revised cost of Rs.605.59 crore.

"Another unique project is that of 45-km Sevoke-Rangpo railway line at a cost of Rs.4,190 crore which will have the distinction of having 14 tunnels and 28 bridges. This railway line will offer an exclusively picturesque and scenic journey while passing across the foothills of the Kanchenjunga mountain range and through the Teesta River Valley," said Jitendra Singh.