While farmers in the industrialised countries of the West are still fiercely debating the use of glyphosate, a small state in northern India has already banned the use of all herbicides, insecticides and chemical fertilisers. Sikkim is the first 100% organic state in the world. Now the government wants to extend the model beyond Sikkim’s borders and share its success.

A green revolution is underway in the Indian foothills of the Himalayas. The entire cultivated area of Sikkim has been gradually converted to organic farming over the last decade, making the dreams of organic farming advocates a reality: Sikkim is the first 100% organic state in the world. Farmers are forbidden to use pesticides or fertilizers – a violation of this law is punishable with up to three months in prison.

However, Sikkim’s ecological future is not yet secure: the state still does not produce enough food for its growing population and relies on non-organic imports from neighbouring states. The next challenge for Sikkim is to make organic farming even more sustainable and profitable. The Secretary of Agriculture and his team are not only working on a nationwide strategy – they are now also building an international network to share Sikkim’s organic expertise and promote their radical model on the world stage.

Written & directed by Rammohan Pateriya
Co-writer Izzy Hughes-Morgan
Composers Tim Stanzel, KV, Scott Buckley, Sergey Cheremisinov
Sound Mix Jochen Voerste
Creative Producer Izzy Hughes-Morgan
Head of Production Ko Miklik<

Executive Producer Antje Boehmert

A production of DOCDAYS Productions for ARTE G.E.I.E.

Length: 13 min
Release Date: 2021