Sikkim Mail

Devika Gurung

Gangtok: January 17, 2012

Sikkim has the potential to be a leading Indian state by focusing on agriculture, horticulture and similar non-traditional industries.

Before the official inclusion in India in 1975, Sikkim, an independent kingdom until then, had already started making a strong political, economic and commercial mark. But on the turf of Industrial development, major boost came only after the setting up of Directorate of Industries in 1976. It marked the beginning of a new era of industrial revolution with the opening of around 79 registered industrial units within the first two years.

The reopening of the Nathu la Trade Route on July 06, 2006 proved to be an icing on the cake. Therefore, together with the setting up of industries, it also helped in the generation of new employment opportunities.

Now after these many years of development, Sikkim promises to be the number one state of the country by 2015. It includes industrial growth as well. Though few of the State Public Sector enterprises have incurred much loss and some have been closed down, still the state stands strong with number of industries being set up. With more and more number of pharmaceuticals, dyes, edible products and several industries coming up, Sikkim has become a land of
opportunity and investment.

Though the above sectors contribute to the industrial growth, however, as per the state government the main areas to be concentrated for industrial development are agro based industries such as floriculture, horticulture and organic farming, handloom-handicrafts and village industries, animal husbandry and dairy products, minor forest based products, tourism, education, tea, bio technology and bio resources Hydro power. Agriculture playing the main role in state’s economy is another feather on its hat. Today, Sikkim produces 80% of the country’s total produce of cardamom.

Fruits, exotic flowers, ginger, honey and tea are the agro based products which have strong potential.

The government has also announced an attractive package of incentives and facilities to generate entrepreneurial spirit and also to encourage investments in the industry. Special promotional measures have also been undertaken by State Government to strengthen the rural non-farm sector which has been identified as a critical area for achieving national goals and for the creation of employment.

Considering entrepreneurship as a dependable career alternative, state under the guidance of Chief Minister Pawan Chamling, is promoting youth entrepreneurship by providing prop up for young business owners in the form of loans, subsides and start up support.

Chief Minister Pawan Chamling’s dream of making Sikkim a prosperous, progressive and a self reliant state is on its way to be fulfilled.

 

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