Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh, popularly known as Lalan Singh, is undertaking a two-day visit to Gangtok and Mangan districts of Sikkim from November 2 to 3, 2026, to review dairy development initiatives and inaugurate several projects aimed at strengthening the state’s dairy and livestock sectors.
The visit focuses on expanding the cooperative dairy network, improving milk quality infrastructure, promoting indigenous livestock breeds and creating additional income opportunities for farmers. Several initiatives are being introduced under the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD), White Revolution 2.0 and other central government programmes.
One of the key developments will be the inauguration of a microbiology laboratory for the Sikkim Milk Union under NPDD. The facility is expected to strengthen milk quality testing and support improved quality assurance across the cooperative dairy supply chain.
Expansion of Dairy Cooperatives and Farmer Participation
A major component of the visit will be the launch of 57 new Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCSs) under White Revolution 2.0. The Minister will also distribute registration certificates to five newly registered societies, while the formation of another 15 dairy cooperative societies in North Sikkim will be initiated.
The expansion is expected to bring more milk producers into the organised cooperative network, particularly in areas where dairy infrastructure and market access require further development.
Dairy Cooperative Societies play an important role in connecting smallholder farmers with organised milk procurement, processing and marketing systems. Strengthening these institutions can improve access to veterinary services, organised procurement channels and more reliable markets for locally produced milk.
The initiative also supports the broader objective of increasing farmer participation in India’s cooperative dairy development model.
Microbiology Laboratory and Dairy Product Traceability
The inauguration of the microbiology laboratory for the Sikkim Milk Union represents an important investment in dairy quality infrastructure.
Microbiological testing is essential for monitoring milk safety, identifying potential contamination and maintaining quality standards throughout processing and distribution. Improved laboratory facilities can support stronger quality control practices and help dairy cooperatives meet the requirements of modern markets.
Another important initiative will be the introduction of a traceability system for Churpi cheese produced in Gangtok and Jorethang. Churpi, a traditional Himalayan dairy product, holds cultural and commercial significance in the region.
Traceability can help establish the origin and production history of dairy products, strengthen consumer confidence and improve opportunities for market access. Such systems may also support the positioning of traditional dairy products in premium domestic and international markets.
Fodder Development and Dairy Product Diversification
During the visit, two Fodder Plus Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) will be promoted for the Sikkim Milk Union under the Government of India’s 10,000 FPO Scheme.
Fodder availability is a critical factor influencing dairy productivity, animal nutrition and milk production costs. Organising farmers through FPOs can strengthen fodder production, improve access to agricultural inputs and create opportunities for collective marketing.
The programme will also introduce new value-added products, including organic honey, Niger seed-blended powder, and organic biscuits and sweets prepared using millets and buckwheat.
Although these products extend beyond conventional dairy manufacturing, their introduction reflects an integrated approach to rural enterprise development, agricultural diversification and value addition. Such activities can create additional revenue streams for farmer organisations and strengthen local agricultural businesses.
Government Investment in Sikkim’s Dairy and Livestock Sector
Sikkim has emerged as an important contributor to dairy development in India’s North Eastern Region. During 2024–25, the state produced approximately 89.35 thousand metric tonnes of milk, with per capita milk availability reaching around 352 grams per day.
Since 2014, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) has allocated ₹7,093.99 lakh under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission to support the state’s dairy development.
A special project worth ₹2,763.92 lakh has also been approved for the development and conservation of the indigenous Siri cattle breed. Additionally, ₹100 lakh was disbursed in 2023–24 and another ₹100 lakh in 2026–27 for procuring High Genetic Merit yak bulls under the same mission.
Under NPDD, nine projects have been sanctioned in Sikkim with a total financial outlay of ₹59.60 crore, including a Central share of ₹54.61 crore. Of this amount, ₹53.59 crore has been released and ₹52.61 crore utilised.
The National Livestock Mission has also supported the state’s livestock sector since 2020–21, providing financial assistance across fodder production, livestock insurance, breed improvement and training activities.
Strengthening Rural Livelihoods Through Dairy Development
The Minister’s visit highlights the government’s continued focus on strengthening dairy cooperatives and livestock infrastructure in the North Eastern Region.
Expanding cooperative societies, improving laboratory facilities, supporting fodder production and introducing product traceability can collectively improve the efficiency and competitiveness of Sikkim’s dairy sector.
For local farmers, these initiatives are expected to improve organised market access, support livestock productivity and create additional income opportunities through value-added agricultural products.
The combination of cooperative expansion, indigenous breed conservation and improved dairy infrastructure could further position Sikkim as an important contributor to sustainable dairy and livestock development in the Himalayan region.