Union Minister Commends
Sikkim’s Dairy Sector Growth, Stresses Strengthening of Cooperatives
Gangtok, November 3 (IPR): Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Mr Rajiv Ranjan Singh, lauded Sikkim’s significant progress in the dairy sector and emphasised the need to strengthen dairy cooperatives, enhance productivity and improve farmers’ livelihoods during his visit to the Sikkim Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union Limited at Tadong, today.
Addressing the gathering, the Union Minister highlighted the growth of Sikkim’s dairy sector over the past decade, stating that milk production had increased by 79 per cent, from 1.37 lakh litres to 2.45 lakh litres per day.
He noted that the number of dairy cooperative societies had risen from 389 in 2014–15 to 733 in 2025–26, while the number of dairy farmers associated with cooperatives had increased from around 10,000 to 16,000. Milk procurement had also recorded substantial growth, rising from 17,000 litres to 61,000 litres per day, reflecting the state’s efforts to strengthen the sector.
Emphasising the importance of expanding the cooperative network, the Union Minister stated that organised cooperatives play a vital role in ensuring fair and remunerative prices for farmers, maintaining milk quality through systematic testing and safeguarding consumer interests. He highlighted the need to strengthen procurement, chilling and processing infrastructure to keep pace with rising milk production and market demand.
He also stressed the importance of improving livestock productivity and promoting value-added dairy products to enhance rural incomes and strengthen the dairy economy. Referring to the broader national dairy sector, he highlighted India’s position as the world’s leading milk producer and underscored the importance of sustained support for dairy farmers, particularly in the Northeastern region.
During the visit, the Union Minister inaugurated the Microbiology Laboratory at the Sikkim Milk Union Processing Plant and inspected exhibition stalls showcasing dairy products and related initiatives.
The programme also featured the virtual inauguration of the Microbiology Laboratory at Karfectar, inauguration of Churpi Traceability, launch of Fodder Plus Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) products and distribution of registration certificates to five newly established Dairy Cooperative Societies.
The newly registered societies include Relling MCC and Chandrodoya MCC in Gangtok district, Taklak MCC in Geyzing district, and Lower Darakharka MCC and Terpai MCC in Namchi district. Together, these societies cover 60 farmers, with an expected milk procurement of 357.1 litres per day at the End of Pour (EOP) level.
Earlier the programme commenced with a welcome address by the Chairman of the Sikkim Milk Union Mr Yam Kumar Sharma, followed by a presentation on the Union’s activities and initiatives by MD Sikkim Milk Union Dr Tilak Ghatani . The programme concluded with a Vote of thanks by Vice Chairman Sikkim Milk Union Mr Dewan Rai
The programme had the attendance of Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Departments, Government of Sikkim, Mr Puran Kumar Gurung; Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Culture and Ayush Departments, Mr GT Dhungel; MLA cum Advisor AH & VS Department Mr NB Pradhan; Minister Secretary for Department of Fisheries, GoI, Dr Abhilaksh Likhi; Secretary for Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, GoI, Mr Naresh Pal Gangawar; Additional Secretary for Cattle & Dairy Development, GoI, Ms Varsha Joshi; Head of Departments; and other dignitaries from the Department of Fisheries, GoI, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, GoI and senior officials of the concerned Departments of Government of Sikkim.
Report from DIO-GANGTOK