Soreng District
16th & 17th February 2026
The Sikkim Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Limited (Sikkim Milk Union) successfully organized two consecutive one-day Awareness Programmes on Good Hygienic Practices (GHP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for dairy farmers under the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) on 16th and 17th February 2026 at different locations in Soreng District.
16th February 2026 – Karthok–Bojek, GPK Hall
The programme was graced by Shri Y.K. Sharma, Hon’ble Chairman, Sikkim Milk Union, as Chief Guest, in the presence of Shri Purna Hang Limboo, Hon’ble Advisor, SMU, as Guest of Honour; Shri T.R. Chettri, Panchayat President; Board of Directors Shri D.C. Dahal and Shri D.R. Sharma; Dr. T.B. Ghatani, Managing Director, SMU; Dr. N.K. Pradhan, Additional General Manager, Regional Office; Smt. Ambika Adhikari, ADDO, Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Soreng; Smt. Kenzong Lepcha, Manager, SISCO Bank; Shri S.T. Lepcha, Cooperative Inspector; and around 120 dairy farmers from seven Milk Cooperative Societies.
The welcome address was delivered by Shri D.C. Dahal, Board of Director. The Panchayat President assured continued support to dairy cooperative societies under the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) to sustain and strengthen the dairy sector.
On the occasion, Mrs. Aita Rani Lepcha was felicitated for her benevolent contribution of land for construction of the Dairy Cooperative Society building. Shri Suk Bahadur Subba, a retired Indian Army personnel, was also honoured for emerging as the highest milk-pouring member post-retirement, setting an inspiring example for the dairy community.
To strengthen hygienic practices, geysers were provided to Karthok, Lower Karthok, and Lower Timburbung Milk Cooperative Societies. Mineral mixture and deworming medicines were also distributed to the dairy farmers.
The programme was conducted by Shri Jaiprakash Gurung, Executive, and the vote of thanks was proposed by Shri Sagar Subba, Executive.
17th February 2026 – Karthok Namrik, Tadong–Rinchenpong GPU
(Premises of Shri Bhisma Pradhan, President, Lower Karthok DCS)
The second programme was held in the presence of Shri Krishna Prasad Sharma, Panchayat President, along with Board of Directors Shri M.B. Rai and Shri Punya Prasad Sharma, and active participation of around 115 dairy farmers.
A major highlight of the day was the inauguration of the newly constructed Milk Cooperative Society House at Lower Karthok, built at an estimated cost of ₹14–15 lakh. Out of this, ₹8 lakh was funded by the Sikkim Milk Union for construction of the Bulk Milk Cooler (BMC) shed under NPDD, while the remaining amount was contributed by the society members, reflecting their strong cooperative spirit and collective ownership.
Shri Bhisma Pradhan, President, Lower Karthok DCS, presented the construction details and recalled the struggles and dedication of members since the society’s registration in 2024.
Members who contributed significantly towards construction were felicitated, including Shri Bikash Sharma, Shri Kamal Sharma, and Shri Bhola Nath Sharma for their material support. Shri Raja Gurung, former Manager, SMU; Shri Gopal Chettri, AI Worker; Shri Bhisma Pradhan, President; and Shri Sagar Subba, Route Supervisor, were honoured for their selfless efforts in establishing the society.
Bulk Milk Cooler shed construction allotment letters of ₹2 lakh each were handed over to Sreebadam Milk PCS, Kaluk Milk PCS, and Bara Samdong Milk PCS. Stainless steel milk cans were also distributed to progressive farmers Shri Phurba Ongdi Bhutia, Shri Thakur Shing Limboo, and Shri Tara Kumar Gurung.
The welcome address was delivered by Shri Sagar Subba, the programme was conducted by Shri Sandesh Sharma, and the vote of thanks was proposed by Shri Binod Sharma.
Technical Sessions and Key Messages
During both programmes, a wide range of topics were covered, including clean and hygienic milk production, good manufacturing practices, and various support initiatives of the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services and Cooperation Departments.
Dr. T.B. Ghatani, Managing Director, delivered the technical session highlighting the historical background and success story of the Sikkim Milk Union. He shared the progress of Lower Karthok Milk Cooperative Society, where 39 members collectively earn approximately ₹46.60 lakh annually from milk sales including incentives and input support. Similarly, 45 members of Karthok Namrik Milk PCS receive about ₹51.76 lakh annually, demonstrating the economic strength of dairy cooperatives.
He sensitized farmers on their ownership, partnership, and collective responsibility towards the cooperative, assuring milk marketing, assured monthly payment, and cautioning farmers against middlemen. Youth were encouraged to adopt scientific dairy farming and explore the vast potential in green fodder, hay, silage, and dry fodder enterprises.
The booklet Gwala Gyan, highlighting the nutritional value of locally available fodder resources, was distributed to farmers.
In his address, the Chief Guest highlighted the State Government’s dairy farmer-centric initiatives, including the ₹8 per litre milk incentive, declaration of Gwala Diwas, and annual cash awards of ₹10 lakh, ₹7 lakh, and ₹5 lakh to the three best performing dairy cooperative societies. He urged farmers to adopt improved practices and fully utilize the support provided by the Union and the Government.
The Panchayat Presidents of Karthok–Bojek and Tadong–Rinchenpong GPUs assured continued support to dairy cooperative societies through GPDP initiatives.
The programmes concluded with active participation, interaction, and renewed commitment from dairy farmers towards clean milk production, cooperative strengthening, and sustainable dairy development in Soreng District
