Sikkim Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba met with Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Chirag Paswan on December 4 to discuss vital issues surrounding the state’s organic farming and food processing sectors. The meeting focused on securing grants for the Integrated Processing Unit (IPU) and expanding infrastructure to support Sikkim’s thriving organic industry.
Subba highlighted the importance of the IPU, located in Rangpo Pakyong district, which processes organic products such as ginger, turmeric, large cardamom, and buckwheat. This facility plays a key role in promoting Sikkim’s organic produce on the global stage. He stressed that previous compliance issues had delayed approval for financial assistance under the CEFPPC scheme but assured the minister that all requirements had now been met. He urged Paswan to reconsider the proposal for timely operationalization of the unit.
In addition to the IPU, Subba proposed the establishment of micro food processing units across Sikkim, including in towns and villages, to support local farmers. He emphasized the need for empowering Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and cooperatives, offering them industry-standard training and resources to process organic products, thereby boosting the local economy.
Minister Paswan expressed his support for Sikkim’s efforts in organic farming and assured that the Ministry would give serious consideration to the proposals, recognizing the state’s global leadership in organic agriculture. The meeting marked a significant step in strengthening the organic food processing infrastructure, aiming to improve livelihoods and contribute to India’s growing organic value chain.
