Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh, alias Lalan Singh, on Monday announced that the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Government of India, will establish a Centre of Excellence for the conservation and development of the indigenous Siri cattle breed in Sikkim.
During his two-day visit to the State on November 2–3, he also digitally launched the North District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd (NDMU) at Mangan under White Revolution 2.0, marking a step towards strengthening the dairy cooperative network and expanding organised dairy activities in North Sikkim.
The initiative is expected to facilitate greater participation of dairy farmers in the cooperative network and strengthen institutional support for dairy development.
The Union Minister’s visit focused on reviewing the progress of various initiatives and development programmes of DAHD in Sikkim, in the North Eastern Region (NER). It also focused on strengthening dairy development, promoting indigenous livestock breeds, improving livestock productivity, expanding dairy cooperative networks and enhancing livelihood opportunities for farmers and livestock rearers.
Focus on Indigenous Breed Conservation and Scientific Breeding
During his address, the Union Minister directed the preparation of a comprehensive Action Plan for Siri cattle conservation and development, focusing on breed improvement, genetic conservation and scientific breeding.
He also emphasised the need to prepare a Work Plan for introducing In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) technology to accelerate genetic improvement and facilitate the multiplication of superior germplasm.
The Minister digitally launched the Siri Cattle Conservation Programme, aimed at conserving and promoting the indigenous Siri cattle breed, preserving valuable genetic resources and strengthening scientific breeding practices.
He also digitally laid the foundation stone of the Siri Bull Mother Farm at Chuchachen in the Pakyong district. The proposed facility aims to strengthen conservation of the indigenous Siri breed, support genetic improvement and promote scientific breeding and multiplication of quality germplasm.
The Union Minister also announced the establishment of a Centre of Excellence for the indigenous Siri cattle breed conservation and development in Sikkim by DAHD, Government of India.
Launch of Pig Breeding Protocols
The Minister launched the publication titled “Minimum Standard Protocol for Semen Production and Standard Operating Procedures for Artificial Insemination Using Liquid Semen in Pigs”.
The publication establishes a standardised framework for semen production and artificial insemination using liquid semen in pigs. The protocols aim to promote scientific breeding practices, improve genetic quality, enhance productivity, strengthen biosecurity and expand the adoption of artificial insemination technology in pig farming.
The initiative is expected to improve reproductive efficiency, reduce the risk of disease transmission and enhance farmers’ incomes, particularly in the North-Eastern Region, where pig rearing plays an important role in rural livelihoods.
NDDB Asked to Prepare Plan for Dairy Sector Modernisation
Congratulating the State on the inclusion of the North District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd under White Revolution 2.0, the Union Minister advised the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to prepare a comprehensive plan for the modernisation of the dairy plant, expansion of the dairy cooperative network and development of an integrated “Sikkim Milk” brand to drive sustainable growth of the dairy sector in the State.
Visits School, Health Centre and Livestock Exhibition
On November 2, the Union Minister visited Tingda Government Primary School, interacted with students and encouraged them to pursue education and learning.
He also visited the Ramthang Primary Health Sub-Centre (PHSC) and Wellness Centre to review the available healthcare facilities.
During the visit, he toured an exhibition showcasing Siri bulls, Siri cows and related value-added products, where he interacted with farmers and learnt about indigenous breed conservation and livestock-based livelihood opportunities.
He also inspected stalls displaying dairy and animal husbandry products and locally grown organic vegetables.
Minister highlighted the importance of strengthening the dairy and livestock sectors, promoting indigenous breeds, adopting modern breeding technologies and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for farmers and livestock rearers.
He reiterated the importance of indigenous breed conservation, modern breeding technologies, dairy infrastructure development and cooperative-led growth to enhance livestock productivity and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for farmers and livestock rearers.
-PIB inputs
