Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, visits Sikkim to review initiatives related to dairy development, livestock productivity, and indigenous breed conservation.
On November 2-3, 2026, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, the Hon’ble Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, embarked on a two-day visit to Sikkim to review the progress of various initiatives and development programmes of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) in the North Eastern Region (NER). The focus of the visit was strengthening dairy development, promoting indigenous livestock breeds, improving livestock productivity, expanding dairy cooperative networks, and enhancing livelihood opportunities for farmers and livestock rearers.
During his visit, the Hon’ble Union Minister interacted with students at Tingda Government Primary School and encouraged them to pursue education and learning. He also visited the Ramthang Primary Health Sub-Centre to review the available healthcare facilities.
At an exhibition showcasing Siri bulls, Siri cows, and related value-added products, the Hon’ble Union Minister interacted with farmers and learned about indigenous breed conservation and livestock-based livelihood opportunities. He inspected stalls displaying dairy and animal husbandry products and locally grown organic vegetables.
The Hon’ble Union Minister digitally launched the North District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd (NDMU) under White Revolution 2.0 at Mangan, marking an important 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.
He also launched ‘Minimum Standard Protocol for Semen Production and Standard Operating Procedures for Artificial Insemination Using Liquid Semen in Pigs’. The publication aims to promote scientific breeding practices, improve genetic quality, enhance productivity, strengthen biosecurity, and expand the adoption of artificial insemination technology in pig farming.
The Hon’ble Union Minister 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 Pakyong district. The proposed facility aims to strengthen the conservation of the indigenous Siri breed, support genetic improvement, and promote scientific breeding and multiplication of quality germplasm.
The visit concluded with an address by the Hon’ble Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, who 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.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
