Agrarian scenario of Sikkim

                Agrarian scenario of Sikkim               



Sikkim is a small multi-ethnic State, located on the Eastern Himalaya covering a geographical area (GA) of 7096 

sq.km, representing a meager portion of (0.22%) India's GA. The topography is characterised by rugged mountainousterrains with wide variations in slopes and altitude. Of the 7096 sq.km GA, 2,091 sq.km or roughly 30% is covered by 

perpetual snow. Human settlement occurs within an area of 2500 sq. km. The major ethnic groups are 'Bhutias', 
'Lepchas', 'Nepalese', 'Limbus'. Administratively, the State is divided into four districts, North, West, East and South. 
Tourism, agriculture and allied activities continue to be important occupations and form main base of the economy. The 
arable land is 1.09 lakh hectares which is about 16% of the geographical area. The net cultivable area is 79,000 ha with a 
total cultivator of 1.31 lakhs and 16,939 agricultural labourers. The irrigated area is only 11% hence agriculture is, by and 
large, rainfed. But the State receives plenty of rainfall (3250 mm/annum), well distributed over 6 months from May to 
October. Though, the average size of operational holding is 3.9 ha/person against national average of 0.69 ha the entire 
holding cannot be used for agriculture due to rugged topography or high slopes. Population growth and consequent 
fragmentation of farm land has caused reduction in per capita holdings. Further, about 81.28% of the geographical area is 
under various types of forest hence, the arable land to agrarian (cultivators and agricultural labourers) ratio is only 0.74 
ha/person. Agricultural is still traditional. Cultivation is done in hill slopes with and without terracing. Use of inorganic 
pesticides and fertilizers are low hence, farming is organic by default. In 2003, Sikkim was declared as organic State. 
Agriculture is maize based but large cardamom, ginger and mandarin are the main cash crops. Animal husbandry is a 
subsidiary occupation. Barring maize, mandarin and ginger, the production and productivity of other crops are low and 
below the national average. In many places, traditional system of farming still prevails and agricultural operations are 
carried out by men and women












In the above pictures we can clearly see that mountains contribute so much in agriculture in Sikkim.

Here is one short documentary film on Sikkim ,I suggest everyone should watch it because it clearly explains the reason behind Sikkim as an organic state and very exciting.


I hope you like the vedio☺️ , don't forget to comment and share 😉.

Thank you for reading my blog ❤️

Akshat



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