Sikkim seeks US investments
SIKKIM is inviting US investors and companies to explore business opportunities in the sectors of tourism, agriculture, horticulture, and livestock products in the northeastern Indian state.
Sikkim’s minister of agriculture and horticulture, animal husbandry and veterinary services departments Lok Nath Sharma is currently on a visit to the US for discussions with industry leaders and officials.
“US investors and companies should look into investing in Sikkim in sectors such as tourism, horticulture, agriculture, livestock products and agro-based sectors,” Sharma told PTI in New York.
The minister said that he has met several representatives and they have expressed their interest to explore business and investment opportunities being provided by the Sikkim government.
He also spoke at the international convention of Association of Food Industries at Ft Lauderdale, Florida on Friday (29).
Sharma said that Sikkim, under the leadership of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, is focused on boosting the economic and overall development of farmers and rural population of the state.
“We assure that we will give all facilities to investors who will come to Sikkim to invest, including liaising, single window clearance in sectors such as livestock and tourism,” he said.
One of the key purposes of his visit is securing the NOP (National Organic Programme) accreditation certificate from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) that will ensure that organic products from Sikkim can be sold in foreign markets.
The Sikkim government said in a statement that accreditation for the NOP from the USDA would immensely help the Sikkim State Organic Certification Agency (SSOCA) to secure business opportunities as a certifying body. Sikkim was declared India’s first fully organic state in 2016.
Earlier, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, India provided accreditation to certifying bodies for NOP standards. As that authority has been withdrawn, the USDA now issues accreditation to certifying bodies directly, it said.
The minister said that Sikkim is one of the highest producers of large cardamom and ginger and turmeric. The US provides a very big market for Sikkim’s high-quality organic products and this will benefit the state’s farmers directly.
He said in the dairy sector, the government is focusing on bringing a white revolution, on agriculture and animal husbandry and is also keen on agro-based tourism through 1,000 home-stays. Under this, tourists will get an opportunity to live in rural areas and avail organic food and facilities.