Gangtok, Nov 3 Sikkim’s milk production has increased by 79 per cent over the past decade, rising from 1.37 lakh litres to 2.45 lakh litres per day, Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh said here on Tuesday, while calling for stronger dairy cooperatives and improved infrastructure to boost farmers’ incomes.
During his visit to the Sikkim Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union Limited at Tadong, the Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj commended the state’s progress in the dairy sector and stressed the need to sustain the growth through better procurement, processing and productivity.
According to a press statement by the Information and Public Relations Department, Singh noted that the number of dairy cooperative societies in the state had increased from 389 in 2014-15 to 733 in 2025-26.
The number of farmers associated with these cooperatives had also risen from around 10,000 to 16,000 during the period.
Milk procurement had increased from 17,000 litres to 61,000 litres per day, reflecting the expansion of the cooperative network, the statement said.
Emphasising the importance of organised cooperatives, the Union minister said they played a crucial role in ensuring fair prices for dairy farmers, maintaining milk quality through systematic testing and protecting consumer interests.
He also called for strengthening chilling and processing facilities to keep pace with rising production and market demand, while stressing the need to improve livestock productivity and promote value-added dairy products to increase rural incomes.
Referring to India’s position as the world’s largest milk producer, Singh underlined the importance of continued support for dairy farmers, particularly in the northeastern region, the statement added.
During the visit, the minister inaugurated a microbiology laboratory at the Sikkim Milk Union Processing Plant and inspected exhibition stalls showcasing dairy products and related initiatives.
The programme also saw the virtual inauguration of another microbiology laboratory at Karfectar, the launch of Churpi Traceability and Fodder Plus Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) products, and distribution of registration certificates to five newly established dairy cooperative societies.
Earlier, Sikkim Milk Union Chairman Yam Kumar Sharma welcomed the gathering, while its Managing Director, Dr Tilak Ghatani, presented an overview of the organisation’s activities and initiatives. Vice-Chairman Dewan Rai delivered the vote of thanks.
Sikkim Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Minister Puran Kumar Gurung, Health Minister G T Dhungel, MLA and AH&VS Department adviser N B Pradhan, and senior officials from the Union and state governments were among those present.
(PTI News)
