Prime Minister Narendra Modi looks at three varieties of orchids named after himself, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Deendayal Upadhyay, one of the founders of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, in Gangtok on Monday.

Modi named the white orchid "Sardar" and the blue one (concealed by the plaque curtain) "Deendayal". Sikkim chief minister Pawan Chamling named the pink orchid "Namo".

Speaking at the national conference on sustainable agriculture and farmers' welfare, Modi began in Nepali, saying: "I am happy to be here".

The Prime Minister thanked the farmers of Sikkim for their efforts at organic farming.

"All other states should follow Sikkim's example and turn to organic farming. I will instruct officials of our agriculture department to visit Sikkim and study how organic farming can be done," Modi said.

"I come on behalf of all farmers in our country and I appreciate the effort you have put in to grow flowers and vegetables and fruits organically," Modi said.

The Prime Minister handed over a certificate of appreciation to Chamling for the state achieving "organic status".

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