Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Orchidarium at Swarnajayanti Maitri Manjari Park in Gangtok, Sikkim, on 28 April 2026, exploring the state's botanical heritage and horticultural initiatives.
The Orchidarium at Swarnajayanti Maitri Manjari Park houses over 500 orchid varieties, many endemic to the Eastern Himalayas and the Northeast region.
Sikkim is renowned for its biodiversity and ranks among India's top destinations for orchid cultivation, with the state government actively promoting sustainable horticulture and eco-tourism.
The visit underscores the Centre's commitment to promoting sustainable agriculture, botanical conservation, and agro-tourism in the Northeast region as part of broader development objectives.
Swarnajayanti Maitri Manjari Park serves as a model facility for orchid research, cultivation techniques, and farmer training programmes, benefiting local horticultural communities across Sikkim.
Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, has emerged as a hub for botanical tourism and horticultural innovation, attracting researchers and enthusiasts from across India and abroad.
The visit reflects the Centre's focus on leveraging the Northeast's unique ecological assets for economic development, livelihood creation, and environmental conservation.
Sikkim has achieved significant milestones in organic farming and sustainable horticulture, positioning itself as a model state for environmentally conscious agricultural practices in India.
Officials accompanying the Prime Minister briefed him on ongoing conservation efforts, species documentation, and capacity-building initiatives at the facility.
The park functions as both a research institution and public education centre, offering guided tours and workshops on orchid biology, cultivation, and ecosystem management.
The Centre has prioritized biodiversity conservation across the Himalayan region, with targeted funding for botanical institutions and wildlife protection programmes.
Through horticulture and eco-tourism, Sikkim has diversified its economy while maintaining environmental integrity, generating employment for thousands of farmers and service providers.
The Northeast region harbours approximately 50% of India's plant biodiversity, making it a critical frontier for botanical research, conservation, and sustainable resource management.
The visit aligns with broader initiatives to establish the Northeast as a knowledge hub for sustainable agriculture, botanical innovation, and climate-resilient farming practices.
Gangtok has successfully branded itself as a premium botanical and eco-tourism destination, attracting domestic and international visitors interested in biodiversity and sustainable practices.
Local communities benefit from orchid cultivation schemes, market linkages, and value-addition programmes, transforming traditional agricultural practices into profitable enterprises.
The Sikkim government and Centre collaborate on environmental conservation targets, with dedicated funding for research facilities, species protection, and habitat restoration.
The facility maintains a living gene bank of orchid species, supporting long-term conservation objectives and enabling researchers to study adaptation mechanisms in changing climates.
The visit underscores ongoing investment in Northeast infrastructure, including research centres, educational institutions, and tourism facilities designed to boost regional development.
Sikkim demonstrates how environmental stewardship and economic progress can advance together, with horticultural development benefiting farmers, researchers, and conservation objectives simultaneously.
Botanical and horticultural tourism generates significant revenue for Sikkim, supporting hospitality services, local transportation, and artisan enterprises across the state.
Institutions like the Swarnajayanti Maitri Manjari Park strengthen India's position in global botanical research networks, fostering international collaborations on conservation and climate science.
Endemic orchid species found only in the Eastern Himalayas face extinction risks from habitat loss and climate change, making institutional preservation and breeding programmes critical.
The facility offers internship and training opportunities for young scientists and farmers, building a skilled workforce in horticulture, conservation biology, and sustainable agriculture.
By integrating technology, research, and traditional knowledge, Sikkim is pioneering a model of modern agriculture that balances productivity with ecological integrity and community welfare.