Sikkim expands organic footprint with ‘Hamro Gauley Bazar’

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang on Sunday inaugurated a “fully organic” farmers-oriented market, Hamro Gauley Bazar, at the Reshithang area in Gangtok’s Upper Burtuk constituency. The market has been established through Shram Daan voluntary contributions by villagers without any government expenditure.

The chief minister unveiled the community-driven initiative in the presence of local MLA Kala Rai. The organic marketplace is aimed at enabling farmers to sell their homegrown produce directly to consumers, thereby reducing the role of middlemen in agricultural trade.

Community-run organic markets allow farmers to sell produce straight to buyers, eliminating intermediaries, ensuring transparent pricing, lowering transport and commission costs, enabling immediate payments, and increasing farmers’ share of the final price while offering fresher produce to consumers.

Addressing the gathering, Tamang expressed gratitude to all those who facilitated the establishment of Hamro Gauley Bazar and highlighted the vision of developing it into a hub of rural economic activity. He underscored the need for proper verification mechanisms to ensure that stall holders are genuine farmers owning agricultural land.

The market will function twice a week . The chief minister also directed the Tourism Department to include the bazar among Gangtok’s tourist destinations , allowing visitors to experience local organic produce and traditional cuisine.

The initiative aligns with Sikkim’s long-standing commitment to organic farming. The Himalayan state became India’s first fully organic state , earning global recognition, including the Future Policy Gold Award from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) for its progressive agro-ecological policies. Institutions such as Sikkim IFFCO Organics Limited have been supporting farmers through value addition, marketing and supply-chain integration of organic produce. More recently, programmes like the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan have been promoting organic and climate-smart farming practices across the state.

Officials said Hamro Gauley Bazar reflects Sikkim’s model of community-led development and sustainable agriculture, strengthening farmer livelihoods while preserving ecological balance.