Milch cows distributed to beneficiaries from Lachen-Mangan

MANGAN, 02 Dec: The AH, LF & VS Department, North Sikkim, organized a milch cow distribution programme for 27 beneficiaries of Lachen-Mangan constituency on 29 Nov at the Chaadey Livestock Farm complex in Mangan.

The programme was part of the ongoing Dairy Mission, a flagship programme launched by the State government with primary focus on improving the socioeconomic condition of livestock farmers.
The programme was presided over by Lachen-Mangan MLA, TW Lepcha, and attended by the Secretary AH, LF & VS, DP Sharma (SCS), departmental officials, area Panchayats and beneficiaries.
The Joint Director, North, BB Subba, in his welcome address presented a brief outline on the programme and stated that 27 beneficiaries would be covered out of the total of 36 beneficiaries selected under the constituency for the year 2011-2012.
The milch cows procured for distribution were of high yielding breed in the 1st to 3rd lactation stage with an average milk yield record of 8-10 litres/ day, he informed.
The Deputy Director (Chungthang), Dr. KT Bhutia, in his brief note detailed that out of the 27 milch cows, 5 were in advanced stage of pregnancy while 7 had female calves and 15 had male calves.
The beneficiaries were imparted prior training and orientation on standard dairy animal feeding and management practices by the technical personnel of the department.
In the technical session, the Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. SK Subba and Veterinary Officer, Phodong, Dr. DO Kaleon informed the beneficiaries that the milch cows were insured with the United Insurance company for a period of three years and appraised the farmers regarding procedures to be followed for insurance claims in case of death of the animals and stressed that no claims would be entertained in case of failure to comply to the prescribed norms.
The milch cows were earlier inspected by the Area MLA and the Secretary, AH, LF & VS who expressed their satisfaction regarding the breed characteristics and overall quality of the milch animals procured for distribution.
The Secretary, DP Sharma, in his address sought more co-operation from the perspective beneficiaries to supply milk to the North District Milk Union.
He also directed the district officials to maintain individual health cards for the animals to ensure proper monitoring of the programme as desired by the area MLA.  In order to oversee the distribution process in a free and fair manner, the milch cows were allotted to the respective beneficiaries via a lottery system in the presence of the chief guest and other dignitaries.