The Hon’ble Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh Alias Lalan Singh undertook a two-day visit to Sikkim during 2–3 November 2026 to review the progress of various initiatives and development programmes of the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) in Sikkim of the North Eastern Region (NER). The visit focused on strengthening dairy development, promoting indigenous livestock breeds, improving livestock productivity, expanding dairy cooperative networks and enhancing livelihood opportunities for farmers and livestock rearers.
On 2nd November, the Hon’ble Union Minister visited Tingda Government Primary School, interacted with students and encouraged them to pursue education and learning. He also visited the Ramthang Primary Health Sub-Centre (PHSC) and Wellness Centre to review the available healthcare facilities.
The Hon’ble Union Minister visited an exhibition showcasing Siri bulls, Siri cows and related value-added products, where he interacted with farmers and learnt about indigenous breed conservation and livestock-based livelihood opportunities. He also inspected stalls displaying dairy and animal husbandry products and locally grown organic vegetables.
The Hon’ble Union Minister digitally launched the North District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd (NDMU). Under White Revolution 2.0 at Mangan, marking an important step towards strengthening the dairy cooperative network and expanding organised dairy activities in North Sikkim. The initiative is expected to facilitate greater participation of dairy farmers in the cooperative network and strengthen institutional support for dairy development.
The Hon’ble Union Minister launched “Minimum Standard Protocol for Semen Production and Standard Operating Procedures for Artificial Insemination Using Liquid Semen in Pigs”. The publication establishes a standardised framework for semen production and artificial insemination (AI) using liquid semen in pigs. The protocols aim to promote scientific breeding practices, improve genetic quality, enhance productivity, strengthen biosecurity and expand the adoption of artificial insemination technology in pig farming.
The initiative is expected to improve reproductive efficiency, reduce the risk of disease transmission and enhance farmers' incomes, particularly in the North-Eastern Region, where pig rearing plays an important role in rural livelihoods.
The Hon’ble Union Minister also digitally launched the Siri Cattle Conservation Programme, aimed at conserving and promoting the indigenous Siri cattle breed, preserving valuable genetic resources and strengthening scientific breeding practices.
Furthermore, he digitally laid the foundation stone of the Siri Bull Mother Farm at Chuchachen in Pakyong district. The proposed facility aims to strengthen the conservation of the indigenous Siri breed, support genetic improvement and promote scientific breeding and multiplication of quality germplasm. The visit concluded with an address by the Hon’ble Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, who highlighted the importance of strengthening the dairy and livestock sectors, promoting indigenous breeds, adopting modern breeding technologies and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for farmers and livestock rearers.
During the address the Hon’ble Union Minister announced that DAHD, Government of India will establish a Centre of Excellence for the indigenous Siri cattle breed conservation and development in Sikkim. Hon’ble Union Minister directed for the preparation of a comprehensive Action Plan for Siri cattle conservation and development focusing on breed improvement, genetic conservation and scientific breeding. Further, he emphasised the need to prepare a Work Plan for introducing In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) technology to accelerate genetic improvement and facilitate the multiplication of superior germplasm.
The Hon’ble Minister congratulated on the inclusion of the North District Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd. under White Revolution 2.0 and to ensure successful implementation, Hon’ble Minister advised National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) to prepare a comprehensive plan for the modernization of the dairy plant, expansion of the dairy cooperative network, and development of an integrated “Sikkim Milk” brand to drive sustainable growth of the dairy sector in the State.
The Hon’ble Union Minister reiterated the importance of strengthening the dairy and livestock sectors through indigenous breed conservation, modern breeding technologies, dairy infrastructure development and cooperative-led growth to enhance livestock productivity and create sustainable livelihood opportunities for farmers and livestock rearers.