In a bid to enhance coordination and foster sustainable growth in the livestock and dairy sectors, Dr Sharman Rai, Secretary of the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AH&VS) Department, Government of Sikkim, called on Naresh Pal Gangwar, IAS, Secretary, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, on Monday.
Dr Rai was accompanied by Dr T.N. Bhutia, Additional Director (Planning/SARAH), and Dr Pratik Sharma, Chief Executive Officer, Sikkim Livestock Development Board.
The meeting centred on strengthening livestock development, improving animal health services, and identifying new avenues for Centre–State collaboration. Both sides underscored the need to modernise animal husbandry infrastructure, enhance breed improvement programmes, and support value-added dairy entrepreneurship to benefit farmers and rural youth in Sikkim.
Dr Rai highlighted the state’s progress in adopting scientific livestock management practices and its commitment to sustainable dairy farming aligned with the unique agro-climatic conditions of the Himalayan region. He also stressed the importance of improving veterinary outreach and establishing stronger market linkages for Sikkim’s dairy products.
Secretary Gangwar appreciated Sikkim’s proactive approach and assured the Centre’s continued support in capacity-building, technology transfer, and funding through national schemes such as the National Livestock Mission and the Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF).
The discussions concluded on an optimistic note, reaffirming the Centre and State’s shared vision of building a resilient, sustainable, and self-reliant dairy and livestock ecosystem in Sikkim.