Sikkim Cooperative conducted Clean Milk production program

The Sikkim Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Limited successfully organized two consecutive one-day Awareness Programmes on Clean Milk Production (CMP) and Good Hygienic Practices (GHP) under the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) on 24th and 25th February 2026 for dairy farmers of Namthang–Rateypani and Barfung Constituencies.

24th February 2026 – Tangzi Bikmat GPK Hall, Namthang–Rateypani Constituency.

Theprograme was conducted for dairy farmers from 7 Dairy Cooperative Societies under the Chuba–Karek route, with participation of more than 115 dairy farmers. The programme was graced by Shri Y.K. Sharma, Hon’ble Chairman, Sikkim Milk Union, as Chief Guest, in the presence of the Vice Chairman, Managing Director Dr. T.B. Ghatani, Panchayat President and members, Zilla Panchayat Member, present and former Board of Directors, Deputy Director (AH&VS), Veterinary Officers, and Cooperative officials.

On the same day, the Hon’ble Chairman inaugurated a newly constructed double-storied Bulk Milk Cooler (BMC) shed at Lower Bikmat, built under the initiative of Board of Director Mrs. D.K. Sarki. Though sanctioned at ₹3 lakh, the shed—worth approximately ₹8 lakh—was completed through additional personal effort and community contribution, reflecting exemplary cooperative spirit.

25th February 2026 – Multipurpose Cooperative Hall, Nardang, Barfung Constituency

The second programme was held for dairy farmers of the Tinkitam route under Sanganath Tinkitam GPU, with participation of more than 70 dairy farmers from 6 Dairy Cooperative Societies.

The programme was attended by Panchayat President, representatives, Managing Director, Board of Directors, Veterinary Officer, Cooperative Inspector, and other officials.

In both programmes, resource persons sensitized farmers on:

Cooperative discipline, importance of Audit, Annual General Meetings, and proper registration

Clean milk production and hygienic handling practices. Animal health care, disease control measures, and schemes of the AH&VS Department Fodder crisis management and the need for fodder self-sufficiency through tree fodders and improved grasses Adoption of scientific feeding practices as outlined in the “Gwala Gyan” pamphlet

The Managing Director, Dr. T.B. Ghatani, emphasized the strength of the cooperative movement in ensuring assured market, timely payment, fair remuneration, collective ownership, and responsibility for quality milk production. He appreciated the exemplary performance of Upper Bikmat Milk Cooperative Society, established in 1979-80, which receives about ₹45 lakh annually through milk payments, incentives, and other benefits. He also lauded Nardang Milk Cooperative Society, which, despite being unregistered, has achieved remarkable progress by earning over ₹25 lakh annually, demonstrating the vast potential of dairy as a sustainable livelihood and entrepreneurial opportunity.

The Hon’ble Chairman, in his address, highlighted the various farmer-centric initiatives of the Government, including the milk incentive, awards of ₹10 lakh, ₹7 lakh, and ₹5 lakh to the best performing societies, and observance of Gwala Diwas, along with infrastructural and marketing support provided through the Milk Union.

To promote hygienic milk production and animal health:

7 geysers were distributed to Dairy Cooperative Societies under the Chuba–Karek route

Mineral mixtures and deworming medicines were distributed to all participating farmers in both programmes

These programmes significantly strengthened awareness among dairy farmers on scientific dairy practices, cooperative governance, and quality milk production, further reinforcing the commitment of the Sikkim Milk Union towards sustainable dairy development and farmer prosperity.