Kupup, 7th December 2025:
The Sikkim Livestock Development Board (SLDB), in collaboration with the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS), successfully conducted a Yak Health Camp and Yak Feed Distribution Programme today at Kupup under the 21–Gnathang Machong Constituency. The initiative was organised under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) to support yak herders and strengthen indigenous livestock conservation in the high-altitude regions of Sikkim.
The programme was graced by the Hon’ble Minister for AH&VS, Agriculture, Horticulture and Fisheries, Shri Puran Gurung, as the Special Guest. He was accompanied by the Area MLA of 21–Gnathang Machong Constituency, Smt. Pamin Lepcha. Hon’ble Panchayat members were also present during the event.
The AH&VS team attending the programme was led by Dr. Sharman Rai, Secretary AH&VS, along with Principal Directors Dr. Sandeep Gurung and Dr. K.T. Bhutia, and Additional Directors Dr. Diki Palmoo Sherpa and Dr. Anjala Pradhan.
Dr. Pratik Sharma, Chief Executive Officer, SLDB, was also in attendance.
The programme began with a warm welcome address by Dr. Karma T. Bhutia, who highlighted the objectives and significance of the health camp and feed distribution initiative.
Addressing the gathering, Secretary Dr. Sharman Rai emphasised the critical importance of yak conservation and elaborated on the proactive steps being taken by the department to safeguard and promote indigenous livestock in Sikkim.
Area MLA Smt. Pamin Lepcha expressed her sincere gratitude to SLDB for the dedicated efforts and continuous support extended to her constituency, especially towards the welfare of high-altitude herders.
In his keynote speech, Hon’ble Minister Shri Puran Gurung underlined the significance of conserving yak and Siri cattle populations in Sikkim. He directed the department to take strategic measures to enhance their population and appreciated the relentless work being carried out by SLDB and AH&VS in promoting and protecting indigenous breeds. The Minister lauded the well-organized feed distribution and health camp held under RGM, acknowledging its timely benefit to the yak herders of Kupup.
Delivering the Vote of Thanks, Dr. Pratik Sharma, CEO SLDB, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble Minister and MLA for their presence and encouragement. He also thanked Secretary AH&VS, Dr. Sharman Rai, for his constant guidance.He also made special mention of Hon’ble Rajya Sabha MP from Sikkim, Shri D.T. Lepcha, appreciating his continued support and direction for the successful execution of the programme.
As part of the initiative, all yak herders were provided with special yak feed, mineral mixtures, and essential medicines to help combat fodder scarcity caused by the harsh winter conditions and to prevent starvation among yak populations.
The event concluded on a positive and encouraging note, reaffirming the government’s and SLDB’s commitment to safeguarding Sikkim’s unique high-altitude livestock heritage and supporting the livelihoods of the herding communities.
