India 2018

646 India 2018
The world’s third highest mountain, Khangchendzonga, is regarded as
the guardian deity of Sikkim. Sikkim is one of the 18 biodiversity hotspots in
the world. More than 5000 species of angiosperms are found in the state, nearly
one third of the total species of angiosperms are found in the country. There
are over 4,500 species of flowering plants, 362 species of ferns and allies, over
550 species of wild orchids, atleast 36 species of rhododendrons besides many
variations and wild natural hybrids, 11 species of oaks, 30 species of primulas,
28 bamboos, over 700 species of butterflies, probably thrice as many moths, at
least 48 species of freshwater fish, around 50 species of amphibians, over 80
reptiles, 600 species of birds and around 150 species of mammals in the state.
Rare and globally threatened snow leopard, Tibetan argali sheep, red
panda, as well as highest altitude domesticated bovid, the yak, black-necked
crane and fairrieanum orchid are some of the important species found here.
Tourism
Situated in the eastern Himalayas, Sikkim is one of the most beautiful states of
the Indian Union. It is home to the third highest mountain in the world, Mt.
Khangchendzonga which is also worshipped as the guardian deity. It is adorned
with snowy mountains, luxuriant forests with exotic flora and fauna, pristine
waterfalls, sacred lakes, holy caves, medicinal hot-springs, cascading rivers
and gentle streams making it a tourist destination for all seasons. An interlace
of mixed culture of various communities residing here, the state celebrates
festivals and activities of each other with grand fervour. There are tours for
everyone, from those seeking solitude for meditation to the adventurous or
those seeking leisure holiday. For the more adventurous there is trekking in
the mountains, river rafting, bird watching, mountain biking, rock climbing,
paragliding and angling as well as the mountain flights for experiencing the
snow clad mountains.
Agriculture
In the agriculture sector, the state has made immense breakthrough with the
introduction of crops like baby corn, sweet corn, etc., bringing manifold increase
in income to the farming community. Focus is on crops which can grow under
moisture stress conditions and which have high global demands of the likes of
buckwheat, millet and such other cereals.
Horticulture
The production of fruits has increased from 5250 tonnes to 22240 recording to
growth of 323 per cent. Vegetable production has increased from 22130 tonnes
to 78820 tonnes registering 256 per cent growth. In floriculture a record growth
of 200 ha with production of over 230 lakh numbers of cut flowers and planting
materials.
Irrigation and Power
The Department of Irrigation and Flood Control has covered 3866.68 hectares
of agricultural land in Eleventh Five Year Plan.