Celebration of Gwala Diwas 2023

Namchi, 1st July (IPR): Chief Minister Mr. Prem Singh Tamang attended the third Gwala Diwas 2023, at Jorethang, today. The programme was organised by Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department (AH&VS) in collaboration with Sikkim Co-operative Milk Producers’ Limited and North Sikkim Co-operative Milk Union Limited.
He was accompanied by the Deputy Speaker (SLA), Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, Advisors, Chairpersons, Political Secretary, Press Secretary, HODs from various districts, Officials, panchayats, along with the members of Milk Producers’ Co-operative Society (MPCS), Gwalas from the six districts, stakeholders and public at large.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister expressed his appreciation and extended his warm wishes to the Gwalas, for their contribution in making Sikkim an exemplary State as the leader of White Revolution. He emphasised that this Diwas, which has been conceptualised by the State Government to upgrade the status of the dairy farmers is unique and places the welfare of the rural community as the priority. It symbolises the commitment of the State Government towards the Gwalas.
The Chief Minister presented a slew of announcements for Gwalas and Milk producers Cooperations. He declared that on 15th August, the State Government will award the best Milk Cooperative Society for the first, second and third place, which will include a sum total of Rs. 10 Lakh, Rs. 7 Lakh and Rs. 5 Lakh, respectively, from the Chief Minister’s Discretionary Grant. He also proposed that the Milk incentives for the Gwalas would be enhanced in the future. The State Government has devised a plan to distribute two thousand Holstein Breed Cows (Jersey Cows), which will be applicable to those who are unable to procure on their own. He informed that a total of forty Milk Collection Centre will be set up across the State for increased network and for this, he directed the concerned department to submit the requirement at the earliest as these Cooperatives will push milk production and for the same, Rs. Five Lakh will be allocated per centre. Moreover, he urged the stakeholders to engage sincerely in this mission to create a robust ground for milk production/supply in the State.
Concerning, the increase of Lumpy Skin Disease, the Chief Minister updated that as per report, a total of 37,500 cows have already been vaccinated. He also applauded the efforts of the officials and staff of AH&VS who were able to contain the spread and curb the fatalities of the cattle through advanced and regular vaccination. Further, he directed that the State Government will continue with the compensation, once verified by the concerned Department.
Speaking on the various welfare measures created by the State Government, the Chief Minister said that Siliguri will soon have an office-cum-facility for medical assistance for those seeking medical attention in the city. The Chief Minister spoke on the various house upgradations extended by the State Government, wherein coverage has risen to 50,000.
Minister AH&VS Mr. Lok Nath Sharma expressed his gratitude to the Gwalas on the historical Diwas celebration. He said that security of the dairy farmers is being assured by the State Government through incentives and prompted the youngsters to adopt occupation in agriculture and livestock rearing in the coming future. He highlighted the multiple schemes and aids initiated by the department and briefed about Dairy incentives, Piggery incentives, Mukhya Mantri Macha Utpadan Yojna, Mobile Veterinary Vans, Kisan Credit Card and many more. He also informed that milk supply from Sikkim is also dispersed to other states such as West Bengal and Assam.
Secretary AH&VS Dr. P. Senthil gave an in-dept report of the department and informed that in the last four years, milk production in Sikkim has increased to 18% with the technical advantage of cooling facilities available in all the districts. On this note, he credited the collective efforts of the State Government and active participation of the Dairy Farming Communities. He said that a Regional Training Centre would soon be set up for efficient and effective expansion of the department.
Namchi District was declared as the Best Performing District with Total Quantity of Milk supplied during the year 2022-2023, which was 59,36,145 kg. The average milk supplied per day was 16,263.41. kg.
Meena Rai, from Suntaley, Pakyong District was named as the Milk Person of the Year, 2023 with the total of 1,24,969kg supplied during the year 2022-2023. She was awarded with an incentive amount of Rs.9,99,752 for the average quantity of milk supplied per day, which was 342.38kg. This is the second win in a row for Meena Rai, for which she received a standing ovation from the gathering.
The Chief Minister along with the dignitaries distributed tokens and cheques to the progressive dairy milk suppliers, distributers, societies in the state.
The Best Performing MPCS for the year 2022-2023 in each district were: Melli MPCS (Namchi District), Naitam MPCS (Gangtok District), Budang MPCS (Pakyong District), Lidung MPCS (Geyzing District), Sribadam MPCS (Soreng District).
On the occasion, the Chief Minister was felicitated by Sikkim Veterinary Association & Sikkim Veterinary Council, Gwalas through Sikkim Milk Union and by Melli MPCS. Similarly, the Minister was felicitated by Sikkim Milk Union.
Two students Ms. Anisha Chettri and Master Yangchuk Bhutia, children whose parents belong to the dairy farming community were presented certificate of excellence for their commendable achievements in education sector and for being examples for others to follow.
Mr. Palching Bhutia and Mr. Sunil Rai were awarded the Best Performing Employees from Gangtok and Jorethang Unit, respectively.
The Chief Minister also handed over prizes to the MPCS of Six Districts which stood First, Second and Third position, respectively. These are as follows:
In Gangtok District – Naitam MPCS, Luing-Perbing MPCS and Pabyuik MPCS. In Namchi District-Melli MPCS, Ben MPCS, Begani MPCS. In Pakong District-Budang MPCS, Suntaley MPCS, Kadamtham Women MPCS. In Soreng District- Sribadam MPCS, Deythang west MPCS, Bara Samdong MPCS. In Geyzing District-Lidung MPCS, Upper Shanku MPCS, Upper Khandu MPCS. In Mangan District- Upper Tingzay MPCS, Tibuk MPCS, Chadey MPCS.
Additionally, Wildlife Development Relief Funds were also given to Amba Project (Lower Mamring and Taza MPCS), In Soreng Project (Majwa MPCS, Gumpa Dara MPCS), In Hattidunga Project (Khaniserbong MPCS). Revolving Fund of Rs. 53.25 Lakh to the registered dairy farmers of MPCS was also released by the Forest Department for the convergence programmes under the Watershed Development Projects.
Stainless Steel Milk cans of 5 and 10 Litres were distributed to Upper Parakha MPCS (Pakyong District), Rezay B MPCS (Gangtok District), Hittibong MPCS (Soreng District), Basnett Goan MPCS (Namchi District) and Upper Martam MPCS (Geyzing District).
Further, the allotment letters of Bulk Milk Coolers were presented to Sumin Namcheybong MPCS, Ledong MPCS, Lower Tikpur MPCS, Paiyong Gairigian MPCS and Som MPCS. While, Middle Pachak MPCS, Sangdong Kamble MPCS, Phunsaybong MPCS, Dew MPCS and Simeybong MPCS received Chest Coolers.
Offical website of AH&VS Department was launched, along with book release on the achievements and vision of AH& VS as well annual report of Sikkim Milk Union 2022-2023 and Grow Max Organic manure. A short film titled Laghu Chalchitra, focusing on the dairy sector by Sikkim Milk Union and a documentary film on the achievements of AH&VS was presented.
Earlier in the programme, the Chief Minister also inaugurated Sikkim Paryavaran Parva, under Forest Department, themed ‘Leave a Green Legacy’.
He also flagging off of six two-wheelers for facilitating AI workers under Sikkim Livestock Development Board (AH&VS, Department).