Sikkim strengthens regional ties in animal husbandry sector at key review meet in New Delhi

A high-level delegation from Sikkim participated in a major regional review meeting held in the national capital today. The event was presided over by Mrs. Alka Upadhaya, IAS, Union Secretary of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India.

The Sikkim team was led by Dr. Sharman Rai, Secretary of the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services (AH&VS) Department, who was accompanied by senior officials including Dr. K.T. Bhutia, Principal Director; Dr. Tilak Ghatani, Managing Director of Sikkim Milk Union (SMU); Dr. Pem T. Bhutia, Additional Director; and Dr. Pratik Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of the Sikkim Livestock Development Board (SLDB).

The regional review meeting brought together top officials and policy-makers from various states to evaluate ongoing programs, share best practices, and brainstorm strategies for strengthening the animal husbandry and dairy ecosystem across the country. Key discussions included improving livestock health management, boosting milk production, and promoting innovation through technology and scientific interventions.

Secretary Dr. Sharman Rai emphasized Sikkim’s progress in adopting sustainable and organic livestock rearing practices, which have become a model for other states. “Our state continues to prioritize animal welfare, disease prevention, and clean dairy practices, aligning with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and sustainable rural livelihoods,” said Dr. Rai during the discussions.

Dr. KT Bhutia presented a comprehensive overview of Sikkim’s animal husbandry infrastructure and underlined the success of cooperative models in dairy farming through the Sikkim Milk Union. He also highlighted the growing participation of women and small-scale farmers in livestock-based livelihoods, which has helped improve household incomes and nutritional outcomes in rural Sikkim.

During the meeting, Dr. Tilak Ghatani shared SMU’s efforts to modernize milk procurement, processing, and distribution, noting the importance of cold chain infrastructure and quality control measures. “To ensure market competitiveness, we are working on value-added dairy products and expanding our market outreach both within and outside the state,” said Dr. Ghatani.

Meanwhile, Dr. Pem T. Bhutia and Dr. Pratik Sharma contributed technical insights into disease surveillance programs, vaccination drives, and genetic improvement initiatives currently underway in Sikkim. Dr. Sharma noted that SLDB is actively implementing breed improvement programs for cattle, yak, and poultry, with a focus on indigenous breeds that are well-suited to the Himalayan ecosystem.