Apart from announcing the establishment of the laboratory, which will allow for farm-to-lab traceability checks, the Union minister also insisted on using the state's existing infrastructure to scale up economic activities.
"We should try to take the export of organic goods from the present 1 million USD to 1 billion USD by 2030. I'm absolutely certain it's doable. On behalf of the Centre, we will establish a quality-based Organic Testing Lab here," Goyal said during an interactive event with members of the Sikkim Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
He believes Sikkim has the potential to become a sustainable and organic state, and that accomplishing such goals will only help the state boost and leverage its tourism potential. The Union minister also encouraged local youth to work in design and packaging facilities.
"The Centre is willing to establish a National Institute of Design and National Institute of Packaging Campus in Sikkim if the state government makes the necessary land available," Goyal said.
On February 19, he also presided over a review meeting with government officials at the Tashiling Secretariat's Conference Hall in Gangtok. Among those present were Sikkim's chief secretary, Vijay Bhushan Pathak, and DC Gangtok, Tushar Nikhare, among others.
He also went over the state's rubber plantation and production for agriculture and farmer welfare, as well as organic state mechanisms like Testing Facilities, Blockchain, and Export facilities.
He stated that the administration should prioritize the production of large cardamom, spices, as well as homestay and organic farming, in order to assist youth in becoming self-employed. The Union minister will also meet with government officials and stakeholders in the Commerce and Industries sector during his three-day visit to Sikkim.
