106 native Banpala sheep distributed at Dhuppi Dara, West Sikkim

GANGTOK, 10 June: Under the Banpala Sheep conservation program 100 Ewes and 06 Rams were distributed by the AH, LF and VS Department among the fifteen beneficiaries of Dhuppi Dara-Narkhola GPU under Yuksom-Tashiding constituency in West Sikkim on 08 June. The beneficiaries selected were conventionally associated with sheep rearing and weaving as their key activity based enterprise for their livelihood.
A press release informs that the main objective behind the program was conservation of the endangered native breed of sheep of Sikkim “Banpala” along with upliftment of traditional sheep farmers and to encourage weaving of garment making for uninterrupted source of wool in the locality.
Before the sheep distribution program Veterinary Officer, Dr Kishor Thapa from DVH Gyalshing was deputed on 30 May 2012 for survey and health certification of those Banpala sheep proposed for distribution. Accordingly he surveyed an assortment of sheep flocks at Pokheri and adjoining area and finally selected the pure Banpala breed sheep distributed on the day, the release informs.
The list of beneficiaries was duly certified by the Area MLA cum Animal Husbandry Minister Dawcho Lepcha on 05 June along with area panchayats’ recommendation.
Joint Director, AH, LF and VS, West, Dr. D.S Tewari deliberated on the advantages of sheep rearing as its products have multiple uses. He informed that the wool of Banpala sheep with the natural color of black, grey and white fetch high prices in the national and international markets. Mentioning that garments like lukuny, rarhi, blankets are durable and air proof which is suitable for cold areas, he encouraged farmers to continue such practices.
He also informed that weaver associations of twenty-five Women’s SHGs will be immediately formed for which names have already been recommended by the area MLA. As support each person will get Rs. 2000 as incentive to develop this business at Narkhola, the release mentions. He also informed the farmers about prevalent diseases of sheep, vaccination and de-worming schedule, etc.
After this Dr. Kishor Thapa highlighted on important areas that need attention while rearing sheep for better productivity.
The program was presided over by former Minister, Mohan Gurung while Panchayat secretary Dhuppi Dara Narkhola, Bhim Bdr. Manger, Zilla Member Yuksom, Gerethang, Buddha Hang Subba, Panchayat secretary Kongri Labdang, C.B Gurung, CLC Vice President Yuksom Tashiding constituency, K.B Gurung were the guests of honor.
The team from AH, LF & VS Department was headed by Dr. DS Tewari accompanied by Deputy Director West, Dr. S.P Bhutia, V.O Gyalshing VH, Dr. Kishor Thapa, Live stock Development Officer Yuksom BAC, Daddty Bhutia, LA VD Yuksom, Gargaman Subba, Loknath, staff from VH Gyalshing along with fifteen beneficiaries from  Dhuppi Dara -Narkhola  were also present.