Delayed by a year due to the Corona Pandemic, Bhoomi-Poojan of ambitious Integrated Organic Food Processing units of Sikkim IFFCO Organics Ltd took place in Rangpo, East Sikkim in the presence of Sikkim Assembly Speaker L B Dass and Minister Agriculture, Sikkim, Lok Nath Sharma on Sunday.
The Bhoomi Poojan was conducted by priests drawn from all the three religions-Hindu, Buddhist and Christians, representing the mix of the Sikkim population, said Mayank Parihar Chief Operating Officer of the project on the phone. “Our MD Manish Gupta oversaw everything personally, he added.
The Sikkim IFFCO Organics, a Joint Venture between the IFFCO and the Government of Sikkim aims to promote and market the organic produce of the country, especially from the State of Sikkim and other North-Eastern states of the country.
The foundation stone of the SIFCO, as it is called, was laid last year in the presence of the state CM, the Union Agriculture Minister and the IFFCO MD, among others. It was expected to go operational this year by December but for the global scourge of Covid 19, said the chief operating officer.
Calling it a giant step for IFFCO, its MD Dr U S Awasthi said it is IFFCO’s objective to begin this new decade with sustainable and environment-friendly agriculture for the farmers of the country. SIFCO will be capable of promoting these certified organic products worldwide and enhancing the 100% organic image of Sikkim state globally, he added.
Located in Rangpo, East Sikkim the Integrated Organic Food Processing unit is being started with an investment of more than Rs 50 crore. The major commercial crops in which Sikkim IFFCO will operate are Ginger, Turmeric, Large Cardamom and Buckwheat. All SIFCO products will be certified 100% organic hence, non-toxic in nature.
This joint venture is expected to ensure sustainable agriculture and Green Himalayan Economy. It also aims to fulfil the mission of doubling farmers’ income highlighted by the Government of India.
