Centre aims to boost Sikkim's global orchid and medicinal plant exports

Gangtok: Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment and MSME, Shobha Karandlaje, is advocating for the expansion of Sikkim’s floriculture and medicinal plant sectors into international markets. During a recent visit to the state, the Minister emphasized that leveraging the region's rich biodiversity is key to driving economic growth and creating new jobs for local residents.

Sikkim has shown strong entrepreneurial momentum, with over 3,000 businesses now registered on the Udyam portal. Karandlaje noted that the state’s natural assets provide a significant competitive edge that remains largely untapped on the world stage. She stated, "The next phase of development should focus on moving Sikkim's agro-based, floriculture and medicinal plant enterprises up the value chain by enabling them to access national and international markets, thereby creating greater income opportunities and employment generation."

To support this goal, the central government plans to utilize the Scheme for Promotion of MSMEs in the North East Region and Sikkim alongside the Export Promotion Mission. These initiatives provide local businesses with essential tools including trade finance, compliance assistance, and direct global market linkages. The government also reported success with the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana in the state, where over 1.70 lakh beneficiaries have accessed loans totaling Rs 1,688 crore to fund their ventures.