Gangtok, Feb. 23 -- Renowned organic farmer Padma Shri Tula Ram Upreti, from Assam Lingzey village in Pakyong district, was laid to rest with full State honours on Sunday. The 100-year-old passed away on Saturday. Chief Minister Prem Singh Golay and other ministers joined the funeral procession on Sunday.

Upreti was draped in the National flag and given a 21-gun salute at his funeral in Jalipool Ghat in Gangtok District.

Upreti was a champion of organic farming for over eight decades. He was also given the title of father of organic farming in Sikkim, as he adopted the practice 20 years before the 'Organic Mission' was initiated in Sikkim. He pioneered the cultivation of paddy and other vegetables organically, without using fertilisers,...