Union Minister Boosts Sikkim Dairy Sector with New Initiatives
On November 3, 2026, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, the Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, attended a significant event in Gangtok, Sikkim, aimed at enhancing the dairy infrastructure and cooperative networks in the region. The programme, organized by the Sikkim Milk Union (SMU), focused on promoting value addition in the dairy sector to achieve better outcomes for local farmers.
During the event, Minister Singh inaugurated a new Microbiology Laboratory under the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD), which is designed to improve microbiological testing and assure food safety in the dairy industry. This facility will aid in the quality assessment of dairy products, benefiting both producers and consumers. The Minister further explored various exhibition stalls showcasing innovative dairy products and initiatives undertaken by the SMU.
Highlighting Dairy Sector Growth
The opening ceremony featured a welcoming address from the Chairman of the Sikkim Milk Union, followed by a ceremony honoring the Minister and other distinguished guests. One of the program’s key initiatives, the Churpi Traceability project, was also launched to enhance the marketability of traditional dairy products. Additionally, the launch of Fodder Plus products was announced, created by Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), to improve fodder availability and diversify income opportunities for livestock farmers.
To solidify the dairy cooperative framework in Sikkim, registration certificates were distributed to five newly formed Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCSs) during the event, further expanding the cooperative network at the grassroots level.
Impressive Milk Production Statistics
In his address, Minister Singh praised Sikkim’s dairy sector for achieving remarkable growth, reporting a 79% increase in milk production over the past decade—from 1.37 lakh litres to 2.45 lakh litres per day. The number of dairy cooperative societies surged by 88%, rising from 389 in 2014-15 to 733 in 2025-26. The daily milk supply to consumers has similarly doubled, increasing from 28,000 litres to 56,000 litres.
To further accelerate dairy development, the Minister urged the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to enhance its support and resources in Sikkim, helping the state attain self-reliance in milk production and procurement. He underscored the vital role of dairy cooperatives in ensuring quality, preventing adulteration, and providing fair compensation to farmers.
Future Prospects for Indigenous Breeds
Highlighting the successful work in Varanasi, where NDDB’s interventions raised daily milk collection significantly, Minister Singh pointed to the potential benefits of similar efforts in Sikkim. He indicated the central government’s commitment by announcing plans for establishing a Centre of Excellence for indigenous Siri cattle, focusing on advanced breeding technologies to enhance milk production and genetic potential.
Moreover, he confirmed that the NDDB would oversee the modernization of the dairy processing plant in Mangan district, using successful models from other regions as a guide. The Minister concluded his address by reaffirming the central government’s dedication to supporting Sikkim’s dairy and agricultural development, recognizing it as key to the broader progress of the North Eastern region, aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision for an Aatmanirbhar North East.
