India has encouraged organic farming through several state level policies. Which one of the following Indian states became the first state in the country to go completely or wholly organic in terms of its agricultural practices?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Sikkim

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This question focuses on sustainable agriculture and organic farming in India. Several Indian states have promoted organic cultivation, but one state is officially recognised as the first to become completely organic in terms of its farming practices. Knowing that state is important for environment, agriculture and current affairs segments of competitive exams.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The question is about the first Indian state to become wholly organic.
  • "Wholly organic" means that the state has officially adopted organic methods across its cultivated area.
  • The options are all north eastern or eastern states where hilly terrain and traditional farming are common.
  • Only one of these states has been formally declared fully organic by the authorities.


Concept / Approach:
The key concept is awareness of major policy milestones in Indian agriculture, especially organic farming initiatives. Sikkim is widely known as the first Indian state that converted its entire agricultural land into certified organic land through planned policy measures and support schemes. Other states like Meghalaya, Manipur, Assam and Mizoram have significant organic potential, but they have not achieved complete state wide organic status in the same historic way as Sikkim did.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall newspaper reports and government announcements about organic farming in India. Step 2: Remember that Sikkim was repeatedly highlighted in national and international forums as the first fully organic state. Step 3: Compare this with other north eastern states, which have pockets of organic cultivation but were not declared wholly organic. Step 4: Evaluate each option. Meghalaya, Manipur, Assam and Mizoram have various schemes but lack the same official status. Step 5: Conclude that Sikkim is the correct answer and select it with confidence.


Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify this from standard environment and agriculture sections of general studies books, where Sikkim is cited as a model state for organic policy. International agencies and Indian government documents frequently refer to Sikkim as the first state to achieve complete organic farming coverage. This consistent mention across multiple sources works as a strong alternative check to confirm that Sikkim is the right choice among the given options.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Meghalaya has promoted organic cultivation but has not been officially declared the first wholly organic state of India.
Manipur also has organic potential, yet it did not achieve the landmark status that Sikkim achieved in terms of complete coverage.
Assam has launched schemes for natural farming but remains a mixed agriculture state with both conventional and organic practices.
Mizoram encourages organic farming in hilly areas, but again it is not recognised as the first state to become fully organic.


Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to guess any north eastern state because many of them are associated with low chemical use. Another pitfall is confusing "high proportion of organic farming" with "officially declared wholly organic". Exam questions are usually based on formal declarations and recognitions, not just general perceptions. Therefore, it is important to memorise the key fact that Sikkim achieved the first complete organic status in India and to differentiate this from partial or ongoing efforts in other states.


Final Answer:
The first Indian state to go completely organic in its agricultural practices is Sikkim.

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