Siri Cattle Conservation and Dairy Development Project in Sikkim

Siri Cattle Conservation and Dairy Development Project in Sikkim

#GS-3 #Economy #Agriculture #Rapid Fire CA #Quick Facts For Prelims #Government Policies & Interventions #Economics of Animal-Rearing #Sikkim #Dairy Sector

Key takeaways

  • Sikkim announced a Centre of Excellence and a Rs 27.64 crore conservation project to protect the indigenous Siri cattle breed.
  • A new Siri Bull Mother Farm is coming up at Chuchachen in Pakyong district to produce superior genetic germplasm.
  • The North District Cooperative Milk Producers' Union Ltd was established in Mangan under White Revolution 2.0.
  • The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) will help modernize plants and launch an integrated Sikkim Milk brand.

Why in News

  • The government recently announced setting up a Centre of Excellence in Sikkim to conserve the native Siri cattle breed.
  • Officials also launched the North District Cooperative Milk Producers' Union under the White Revolution 2.0 initiative to support local dairy farmers.

Key Characteristics of Siri Cattle

  • Siri cattle is a dual-purpose native breed found across the eastern Himalayan region, including Sikkim, Darjeeling, and Bhutan where people call it Nublang.
  • This breed easily adapts to steep mountain terrain and features a distinct hairy hump situated near its neck and chest.
  • Farmers use these animals for both dairy production and field work.
  • Crossbreeding with other species has significantly reduced their numbers, creating an urgent need for genetic preservation.

Conservation and Dairy Development Initiatives

  • The Siri Cattle Conservation Programme focuses on protecting indigenous genetic stock and advancing scientific breeding methods.
  • A dedicated Siri Bull Mother Farm at Chuchachen in Pakyong district will produce high-quality germplasm using Rs 27.64 crore in project funding.
  • The state plans to introduce In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) technology to accelerate the multiplication of elite cattle lines.
  • The new North District Cooperative Milk Producers' Union Ltd in Mangan aims to expand local dairy networks and boost farmer participation.
  • The National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) will help modernize existing dairy infrastructure and create a unified Sikkim Milk regional brand.
  • Authorities also released standard protocols for pig artificial insemination using liquid semen to upgrade livestock productivity and farm biosecurity.