QUESTION 8
GS3
10 marks
Sikkim is the first ‘Organic State’ in India. What are the ecological and economic benefits of an Organic State?
WRITE IN
7 min
150 words
What the examiner wants
Explain the ecological and economic gains of Sikkim becoming a fully organic state.
DiscussExplain the different sides of the issue, use evidence, and finish with a balanced view.
Demand-wise check
- 1Ecological: soil health, no chemical runoff into rivers, biodiversity, pollinators, lower emissions≈30 words
- 2Health: pesticide-free food≈30 words
- 3Economic: premium prices, organic branding, eco-tourism, lower input costs over time≈30 words
- 4Challenges: early yield fall, certification costs, market linkage, supply of organic inputs≈30 words
Open in about 20 words and close in about 20.
Answer plan
Sikkim's journeyEcological benefitsEconomic benefitsChallengesLessons for other statesConclusion
Where marks usually go
- Only listing benefits of organic farming in general, not Sikkim's case
- Ignoring yield and market challenges
Draw this
- Two-column table: ecological vs economic benefits
Value addition
- FactSikkim was declared fully organic in January 2016 after the Sikkim Organic Mission phased out chemical fertilisers and pesticides.Government of Sikkim
- AwardSikkim won the Future Policy Gold Award 2018 for its organic policy.FAO, IFOAM and World Future Council, 2018
- SchemeMission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region (2015-16) supports organic clusters in the North East.Ministry of Agriculture
Next: plan for one minute, write it in 7 minutes, then get it checked.