Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh to Boost Sikkim's Dairy Sector with Major Initiatives
Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh visits Gangtok and Mangan to launch new dairy cooperatives and a microbiology lab to boost Sikkim's dairy sector.
Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh (also known as Lalan Singh), is visiting Gangtok and the Mangan district of Sikkim from November 2 to 3, 2026. The visit is aimed at strengthening the state's dairy development and reviewing existing initiatives to enhance the livestock sector.
Infrastructure and Cooperative Expansion
As part of his visit, the Union Minister will inaugurate a new microbiology laboratory for the Sikkim Milk Union. This facility, established under the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD), will play a critical role in ensuring quality control and and quality assurance for dairy products.
Under the framework of White Revolution 2.0, the Minister will launch initiatives to establish 57 new Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCSs). To further expand the network, 15 additional DCSs will be formed in North Sikkim, ensuring that more dairy farmers are integrated into the cooperative dairy network. Additionally, the Minister will distribute registration certificates to five newly registered DCSs.
Product Diversification and Value Addition
Sikkim is moving beyond basic milk production. The Minister will unveil a range of new, innovative products, including organic honey, Niger seed-blended powder, and organic biscuits and sweets made from millets and buckwheat. These products mark a significant leap in product diversification and value addition for local farmers.
A key highlight of the visit is the unveiling of a traceability initiative for Churpi cheese, a local specialty manufactured in Gangtok and Jorethang, which will help in standardizing and quality tracking of this traditional product.
Supporting Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)
The Minister will also promote two Fodder Plus Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) for the the Sikkim Milk Union under the Government of India's 10,000 FPO Scheme. This focus on fodder production will ensure a sustainable supply of livestock own feed.
Sikkim's Contribution to the Dairy Sector
Sikkim has emerged as a significant player in the dairy development of the North Eastern Region (NER). For the period 2024–25, the state has recorded a milk production of approximately 89.35 thousand metric tonnes, with a per capita milk availability of around 352 grams per day.
Financial Support and Breed Conservation
The Government of India, through the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), has provided substantial financial backing to the state:
- Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM): Since 2014, ₹7,093.99 lakh has been released to support the state.
- Siri Cattle Breed: A special project worth ₹2,763.92 lakh has been sanctioned for the development and conservation of the indigenous Siri cattle breed.
- Yak Conservation: ₹100 lakh was released in 2023–24, and another ₹100 lakh has been released for the current financial year 2026–27 to procure High Genetic Merit (HGM) yak bulls.
- National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD): Nine projects with a total outlay of ₹59.60 crore have been sanctioned, with ₹53.59 crore already released.
Livestock Mission Assistance
Under the National Livestock Mission (NLM), the DAHD has provided financial assistance for several key areas from FY 2020–21 onwards:
- ₹1,914.39 lakh for fodder production.
- Livestock Insurance: ₹530.62 lakh.
- Siri Cattle and Pig Breed Improvement: ₹408.64 lakh for small ruminant and pig breed improvement.
- Training and Extension: ₹359.80 lakh for ₹359.80 lakh for training and extension activities.
The visit of Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh will be attended by senior officials from the Government of Sikkim, the Mangan District Administration, and representatives from the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and various line ministries.
The visit underscores the government's commitment to enhancing the livelihoods of livestock rearers, improving supply-chain infrastructure, and helping local dairy products gain access to premium and international markets.