Sikkim Organic Agriculture University: Sikkim takes a step towards organic farming education
Sikkim moved a step ahead towards boosting organic farming education in India. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang laid the foundation stone for establishment of the Sikkim Organic Agriculture University (SOAU) in Mondegaon, Soreng district, Sikkim. A special status state, Sikkim, is known for being India’s first organic state. Now, with this new venture it aims to further its commitment to promote organic cultivation.
CM Tamang emphasized that the SOAU will stand as a beacon of excellence for teaching and learning about organic farming. The university will focus on imparting knowledge about organic farming techniques and related subjects. Its primary objective is to provide education, training, and research opportunities in various fields like agriculture, finance and management, law, as well as science and technology.
The establishment of SOAU brings the possibility of sharing knowledge with many young people, starting new research projects, and providing higher education in Sikkim. This vision is backed by high quality infrastructure and international connections.
Presently, many students from Sikkim seeking education in agriculture, horticulture, and forestry have to travel outside the state for studies. During a meeting with around 500 students studying undergraduate and post graduate courses in these subjects in Dehradun, CM Tamang realized the need to provide local alternatives.
The forthcoming university will put an end to this trend. Sikkim will be able to offer these comprehensive courses within the state itself. CM Tamang has instructed officials to immediately identify temporary spaces for commencing courses as soon as possible.
At the beginning of this year, the Sikkim government had passed the Sikkim Organic Agriculture University Act of 2023. The CM had then envisioned that this important decision will not only make education better but also help the economy in the faraway Mondegaon area.
It is expected that the Sikkim Organic Agriculture University (SOAU) will become a hub of economic activities, generating employment opportunities for local residents within a year of its establishment. The university’s presence will definitely benefit the remote Mondegaon area.
Notably, Gujarat Organic Agricultural University (GOAU), established in 2017 by the Government of Gujarat, is another organic agriculture university in India. It is playing a pivotal role in education, research, and extension services for organic farming.
As the foundation stone is laid for the Sikkim Organic Agriculture University, the state takes one step ahead towards making its future deeply rooted in organic agricultural practices.
