Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh Inaugurated Microbiology Laboratory, Launched Churpi Traceability Initiative and Fodder Plus FPO Products in Sikkim

Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Alias Lalan Singh), Hon’ble Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, participated in a programme organised by the Sikkim Milk Union (SMU) at Gangtok, Sikkim, on 3 November 2026. The programme focused on strengthening dairy infrastructure, expanding cooperative networks and promoting value addition in the dairy sector.

The Hon’ble Union Minister inaugurated the Microbiology Laboratory of the Sikkim Milk Union under the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD). The facility was aimed at strengthening microbiological testing and quality assessment, thereby contributing to improved quality assurance and food safety in the dairy sector. He also inspected the exhibition stalls showcasing dairy products and other initiatives of the Sikkim Milk Union.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by the Chairman of the Sikkim Milk Union, followed by the felicitation of the Hon’ble Union Minister and other dignitaries. The Microbiology Laboratory at Karfectar was also virtually inaugurated. The Churpi Traceability initiative was inaugurated to strengthen traceability and promote the identity and marketability of the traditional dairy product. The Hon’ble Union Minister also witnessed the launch of Fodder Plus products developed by Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs), highlighting the importance of fodder availability, farmer collectives and diversified income opportunities in the livestock sector.

Registration certificates were distributed to five newly established Dairy Cooperative Societies (DCSs), marking another step towards strengthening the cooperative dairy network in Sikkim and expanding the reach of organised dairy institutions at the grassroots level.

Sikkim recorded 79% growth in milk production over the last decade

Addressing the gathering, the Hon’ble Union Minister congratulated the Government of Sikkim and stakeholders on the significant progress made in the dairy sector. He highlighted that milk production had increased by 79%, from 1.37 lakh litres to 2.45 lakh litres per day, while the number of dairy cooperative societies had grown by 88%, from 389 in 2014–15 to 733 in 2025–26. Daily milk supply to consumers had also doubled from 28,000 litres to 56,000 litres.

Emphasising the need to accelerate dairy development, he called upon NDDB to intensify its efforts and deploy additional human resources to help Sikkim achieve self-reliance in milk production and procurement. He underlined the role of dairy cooperatives in ensuring milk quality, preventing adulteration and securing fair returns for farmers.

Citing the example of Varanasi, he highlighted how NDDB's intervention had increased milk collection from 14,000 litres per day in 2022 to approximately 2.5 lakh litres per day. The price received by farmers had also increased from ₹28–30 to ₹42 per litre, with additional income opportunities through cow dung utilisation in biogas plants under the GOBARdhan initiative.

Centre of Excellence for indigenous Siri cattle

Referring to his visit to Mangan, where local cattle yielded an average of approximately three litres of milk per day, the Hon’ble Minister announced that the Central Government would sanction funds for establishing a Centre of Excellence for the conservation and development of indigenous Siri cattle. The proposed centre would promote advanced breeding technologies, including IVF, to improve the genetic potential and milk productivity of the breed. He invited the State Government to submit a formal proposal for consideration.

Modernisation of Mangan dairy plant

The Hon’ble Minister further stated that NDDB would finance and undertake the comprehensive modernisation of the existing dairy processing plant in Mangan district, following the successful model implemented in Mizoram.

Concluding his address, he reiterated the Central Government’s commitment to Sikkim's dairy and agricultural development, stating that the State's economic progress was integral to strengthening the North Eastern region and advancing the Prime Minister’s vision of an Aatmanirbhar North East.

*************

JP