Ladakh, the first Union Territory planning to go organic, should learn from Sikkim, the first state to do so. Just stopping the use of synthetic chemicals from one cropping cycle does not cut them out from the produce. Some chemicals in the soil take years to break down, a process that is easier in warm, moist soil that accelerates microbial activity, but takes longer in cold, dry conditions. In Sikkim, there were also allegations of local politicians abetting the smuggling of banned herbicides and pesticides to supply farmers unwilling to change their ways. If it really wants to earn the all-organic tag, especially after campaigning to get Ladakhi seabuckthorn the Geographical Indication tag, the Territory’s administration must be vigilant and keep testing the produce to assure both buyers and producers of progress.
