Sikkim became a part of the
Indian Union in 1975. Most of the land is mountainous, interspersed with
valleys and two rivers, Teesta and Rangit. It has rare varieties of
orchids and flowers. About 11,889 hectares of land are under irrigation.
The economy is mainly agrarian with the principal crops being maize,
rice, wheat, potato, tea, cardamom, ginger and orange. Horticulture and
floriculture is being expanded. The industries located in the State are
watch assembly units and manufacture of jewel bearings for water and
electric metres and clocks. Small industries development is being
promoted. Winters are long and severe, summers are cool and average
annual rainfall is 311 cm.