Sikkim Livestock Development Board resumes with 37th meeting, focuses on local cattle improvement

After a gap of two years, the Sikkim Livestock Development Board (SLDB) held its 37th board meeting in Gangtok today. The meeting was an important milestone for the state’s animal husbandry sector and brought together top officials and experts in livestock development.

The meeting was chaired by Dr. Sharman Rai, Secretary of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS) and also the Chairman of SLDB. It was the first time the board met since the previous session held on May 10, 2023.

Several senior officials were present during the meeting. These included Dr. A. Thapa, Dr. Sandeep Gurung, Dr. Sonam P. Bhutia, and Dr. KT Bhutia — all Principal Directors. Other key members included Dr. Sanjay M. Gazmer and Dr. Durga P. Pradhan, both Directors, along with Dr. P.T. Bhutia, Additional Director. The meeting was coordinated and concluded by Dr. Pratik Sharma, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SLDB, who also serves as the Member Secretary. He gave the welcome address at the beginning and delivered the vote of thanks at the end.

A major topic discussed in the meeting was the Rashtriya Gokul Mission, which aims to protect and promote indigenous cattle breeds in the state. Board members looked at how the mission is being carried out in Sikkim and discussed ways to improve its reach and effectiveness. The members stressed the importance of improving local cattle breeds for long-term growth of the livestock sector.

In a move that was welcomed by farmers, the Board announced a significant decision — the price of sex-sorted semen has been reduced from Rs 150 to just Rs 50. This step is expected to directly benefit local farmers by making advanced breeding techniques more affordable and helping them increase milk production.

The board also discussed plans for improving the genetic quality of indigenous cattle. One of the key decisions taken was to start special training programs for both farmers and Artificial Insemination (AI) technicians. These training sessions will focus on modern breeding practices and techniques. The goal is to help farmers produce healthier cattle with better productivity, which in turn can improve their income and overall livelihood.

The board members agreed that improving cattle breeds should go hand-in-hand with educating farmers. They said that only by giving farmers the right tools and knowledge can the livestock sector grow in a sustainable way.

The meeting also discussed the larger vision of the Sikkim Livestock Development Board — to support innovation in livestock management, to be inclusive of the needs of small and marginal farmers, and to help improve the economic condition of rural communities through better livestock practices.

With this renewed push, the SLDB is expected to play a stronger role in the development of animal husbandry in Sikkim. The 37th board meeting served as a platform for planning future strategies and ensuring that the benefits of government schemes reach the people who need them the most.