NE’s first Mother Dairy farm inaugurated at Karfectar

JORETHANG, 30 Sept: The first Mother Dairy farm in the North East region was inaugurated today in the premises of Karfectar Farm, Jorethang, South Sikkim. On the occasion a total of Rs 6.4 lakh bonus was also distributed to the 9 best performing village cooperative societies of the four districts under Sikkim Milk Union. The Mother Dairy farm was initiated under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana and set up at a cost of Rs 2,20,65,925.
An awareness program on Livestock Sector was also organized by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Livestock, Fisheries and Veterinary Services on the day. According to Deputy Director Karfectar Farm, Dr Tilak Ghattani, 100 educated youth participants each from 16 constituencies of South and West districts of the state registered for the awareness workshop. The farm has the capacity for 100 milch cows and 50 numbers of milch cows have been inducted for the machine milking process in the milk parlor with double rows 8:8 in the first phase.
The chief guest, PWD Minister, RB Subba along with the other dignitaries were shown the whole computerized process and the quantity of milk that the machine extracts at a time from the milch cows.
In the awareness program resource persons from Animal Husbandry department informed the youth about the various aspects and successful ways of livestock farming. Joint Director, Dr BM Chettri enlightened the participants on correct techniques, information, benefits of dairy farming while Deputy Director Sirwani Poultry Farm, Dr Emila Shenga updated the participants regarding the latest methods, conditions and materials essential for opening poultry farm while Additional Director, BS Subba updated the trainees in detail about feed and fodder development required for the farm animals.
Four progressive livestock farmers were felicitated by the department today. Rohit Rai from Nandok Naitam, East Sikkim [dairy farming], Mitra Kumar Manger of Turuk Ramabong, South Sikkim [poultry farming], Phipra Hang Subba of Bashilakha Namcheybong, East Sikkim [piggery] and Amber Bahadur Gurung of Upper Sribadam, West Sikkim [fish farming] received Rs 25, 000 each.
Similarly, Sikkim Milk Union Society also felicitated 9 local Milk Producers’ Cooperative Society with letters of appreciation along with their bonus for the year of 2012-13 by Sikkim Milk Union. Sri Badam Milk Producing Cooperative Society Limited of West Sikkim received Rs 1,04,541, Buriakkhop Milk Producing Cooperative Society Limited of West Sikkim received Rs 84,740, Rap Hang Milk Producing Cooperative Society Limited of East Sikkim received Rs 73,466, Kadamtam Rap Hang Milk Producing Cooperative Society Limited of East Sikkim received Rs 58,781, Paviyong Milk Producing Cooperative Society Limited of East Sikkim received Rs 50,958, Assam Lingzey Milk Producing Cooperative Society Limited of East Sikkim received Rs 47,573, Melli Milk Producing Cooperative Society Limited of South Sikkim received Rs 85,506, Central Payong Women’s Milk Producing Cooperative Society Limited of South Sikkim received Rs 72,674 and Melli-Dara Milk Producing Cooperative Society Limited of South Sikkim received Rs 61,794.
Secretary Animal Husbandry, DP Sharma welcomed the gathering and placed the progress report of the department while informing the gathering about the role of the department in enhancing the livelihood activities of the people through livestock farming.
RB Subba underlining the objective of the day’s program emphasized on making livestock and agricultural farming the weapon for development and success of the rural people. He asked the educated youth present in the awareness program to shoulder the responsibility of utilizing every benefit offered by the government to enhance their livelihood. Lauding the efforts of the departments in executing this program, he stressed on the lack of interest shown by the youth today in this sector. Further, motivating the youth to take up farming as an alternative source of livelihood, he added that the department is always at their disposal to assist them establish their farming business.
Mr Subba advised the youth to participate in the farming sector and get familiarized with the latest info and methods and share the knowledge with the older generation too. While talking about the high demand and low produce of poultry products in the state, he urged the livestock farmers to increase their produce with the help of new techniques and department benefits not only to meet the domestic demand but in markets outside the state as well. He also highlighted the state’s initiative to motivate farmers by banning poultry produce from outside the state.
He recommended that the educated youth open up agencies for marketing local produce of the rural farmers and keep them informed about the comparative study of local market rates so as to keep up with the competitive market demand.
Minister Animal Husbandry, Dawcho Lepcha in his brief address pointed out that livestock and agriculture farming has always been important sectors. The farming sector has not only benefitted the old generation but will become a sustainable source of livelihood for generations to come, he stated. He also cited examples of successful farming to motivate the youth. He informed that the registered participants from South and West districts who have filled up the forms showing interest in livestock farming will be considered by the department for provision of benefits and other facilities to help them in their respective area.