Sikkim is an Indian state situated in the Himalayas and is known to be landlocked. It is the least populous state in the country and the second smallest in area after Goa. In the past few years, the Sikkim Government has tried its level best to promote tourism in the state and has been successful in its task as well. The world's third highest mountain, Mt. Kanchenjunga, dominates this tiny Himalayan State with its beauty and majesty. The State is one of the 18 biodiversity hotspots in the world. It includes nearly one third of the total species of angiosperm found in the country; around 4,000 species of flowering plants; 300 species of ferns and allies; 144 species of mammals; 500 to 600 species of birds and so on. Rare Blue Sheep, Tibetan Mastiff, Yaks and Red Pandas are also found here. Such natural beauty along with ideal climatic condition of the State augurs well for the tourism industry. The green image of the State has made it an attractive investment destination.

It is a popular tourist destination owing to its culture, scenery and biodiversity. Kanchenjunga the world’s 3rd highest peak is the state’s highest point. The state’s economy is largely agrarian based on the terraced farming of rice, it also produces more cardamom than any other Indian state and is home to the largest cultivated area of cardamom. It lacks a large scale industrial base, brewing, distilling, tanning and watch making are the main industries. Noodle based dishes such as thukpa and chowmein are common, it is also the 3rd highest per capita alcoholism rate amongst all Indian states.

In Sikkim, agriculture is the main occupation of the inhabitants. Agriculture in Sikkim seems to be the basis of the socio-cultural pattern of the territory.

Sikkim is blessed by a fertile land that largely supports agriculture. The topography and the climatic condition of Sikkim is favorable for agriculture at Sikkim. Therefore, Sikkim witnesses a high yield every year. Among the chief crops grown in Sikkim are:

Wheat

Paddy

Maize

Barley

Buck wheat

Cardamom

Potatoes

Tea, etc.

It is noteworthy that Sikkim produces the highest amount of Cardamom in India. Sikkim is also known for housing the largest area of Cardamom field within the territory. Cardamom is among the two cash crops of Sikkim, besides potato. Sikkim is known for producing a special variety of tea that is known for its taste and quality throughout the world. One might come across a number of tea estates in Sikkim that form an integral part of Sikkim agriculture.

The important mineral resources of the state are copper-lead-zinc and silver reported in Bhotang, Rangpo and Dikchu in East Sikkim district. Occurrences of other minerals like dolomite, quartzite and steatite are reported in West Sikkim district. Limestone in North Sikkim district and Marble in East Sikkim and North Sikkim districts.

·         Bamboo and Cane Craft are deep rooted in traditional culture of the state.

·         Producer of Carpets of varied designs and high quality.

·         Handloom Products are famous for their beauty and intricate design.

·         Apparel and Garment making Unit at Barfok.

·         Carpet weaving at Makha.

·         Candle making at Namchi.

The above mentioned points proves that Northeast India has the potential to produce the country’s finest silk products, the same of which can be exported outside the country, elevating the economic standard and status of the Northeastern states besides putting Northeast in the cultural map of the world.