The Sikkim government had yesterday withdrew a bill that sought a ban on supply of non-organic produces in Sikkim from outside, citing paucity of time.
"The proposed move to ban supply of non-organic produces in a phased manner in Sikkim from outside has been taken to boost production and consumption of organic produces grown domestically for a host of reasons," Chamling said in the state Assembly during his 90-minute speech at the two-day special session of the House.
The proposed measure will boost farm income and take care of health of the people as well as soil and environment, the long serving chief minister said.
He, however, remained mum as to why his government yesterday withdrew the Sikkim Non-Organic Agriculture and Horticulture Commodities (Prohibition and Regulatory) Bill, 2018 that sought a ban on supply of non-organic vegetables, livestock and other produce in Sikkim from outside with effect from March 31, 2018.
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"We can and will protect the interests of the Sikkimese people by following the 'America First' policy as well as enterprise and hard work of the Japanese people," he said.
Chamling, however, conceded that the decision to ban supply of non-organic produces like vegetables and fruits from outside will create crisis because of inadequate production of organic produces domestically, but hoped that the people will manage for the time being in the larger interests of the state.
Chamling said that by going ahead with ban on supply of non-organic produces in Sikkim in phased manner, his government wants only rice and petro products to be supplied from outside in state in the future.