First-ever training on pig semen collection and artificial insemination held in Sikkim

The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AH&VS) Department of Sikkim has successfully completed a two-day clinical training programme on pig semen collection, processing, and artificial insemination (AI) in pigs. The training was held on April 7 and 8, 2025, at the newly set up pig semen collection and processing laboratory located at Assam Lingzay Pig Farm in Pakyong. This is the first time such a facility has been established in the state for the pig breeding sector.

The programme was conducted under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme – National Livestock Mission (NLM) – and was led by the Piggery Development Section of the AH&VS Department. The main aim of this training was to improve skills of field staff, promote better pig breeding techniques, and encourage the use of artificial insemination to improve pig productivity.

The event was graced by senior officials including Dr. Sharman Rai, Principal Director-cum-Secretary of the department, and Dr. Karma T. Bhutia, Director of Animal Husbandry. They were joined by several other senior officials, including Additional Directors, Joint Directors, Deputy Directors, and Veterinary Officers.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Rai highlighted how the piggery sector can help boost the rural economy and support farmers across the state. He encouraged all participants to take their duties seriously and support livestock farmers with the knowledge and skills they gain. Dr. Bhutia, in his address, urged the department to follow the roadmap already laid out for improving pig farms and bring more discipline in the working of the animal husbandry sector.

The training was coordinated by Dr. Nutan Subba, Additional Director and Nodal Officer for the National Livestock Mission. A total of 7 veterinary doctors and 21 paravets from six districts took part in this important training session.

Expert resource persons included Dr. Phurba Lepcha (Joint Director, Karfectar Farm), Dr. Tshering Dolma (Joint Director, Assam Lingzay Pig Farm), and Dr. Kunzang Gurung (Deputy Director, State Veterinary Polyclinic, Gangtok). The trainees also included Veterinary Officers like Dr. Kawshal Thapa (Rabongla), Dr. Julina Subba (Gyalzing), and Dr. Diki O. Lepcha (Mangan), along with several experienced paravets.

Earlier, all these trainees had also attended a three-day training on “Reproductive Management and Artificial Insemination in Pigs” held from March 10 to 12, 2025, at the ICAR-National Research Centre on Pigs, Rani, Guwahati.

The Assam Lingzay pig farm, where the new lab is located, is strategically important. It is the only government pig farm in the region capable of supporting advanced breeding technology and helping pig farmers in Gangtok and Pakyong districts. The main goal of the project is to increase pig productivity by using semen from high-quality male pigs. This will reduce the problem of inbreeding and help improve the overall health of pig herds.

Another benefit of this project is that it will reduce the financial pressure on pig farmers who often struggle to replace their parent stock. In Sikkim, due to the hilly terrain, natural mating is not always easy or cost-effective. The use of AI will now make pig breeding more practical and affordable.