Chief Minister P.S. Golay launched the new government scheme to provide incentive of Rs.8 per litre of milk to dairy farmers of the State, during a function at Chintan Bhawan here today.
As per the new initiative, the incentive will be transferred to the dairy farmers’individualbank accounts by the State government in additionto the prescribed milk procurement rate applicable to them.
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The incentive was launched with the slogan ‘Hamro Kranti-Doodh Kranti’ in lines with the AatmaNirbhar Bharat initiative. The programme was organized by Animal Husbandry department in collaboration with the Sikkim Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Limited.
Self reliant goal for farmers by PM Modi
Stressing on the need to realize the goal of being self-reliant in every sector as desired by the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister said at least 12,000 dairy farmers in the State would benefit from the incentive scheme.A dairy farmer will receive an incentive of Rs. 8 for every litre of milk and the incentive will be sent directly to the farmers, he said.
The incentive has been introduced as a token of gratitude to the dairy farmers, who have been producing nutritious milk and milk products for the State, and the country as a whole, especially during this ongoing Covid pandemic, he expressed.
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Golay informed that the SKM government has laid great focus on dairy farming and the price of milk was also increased up toRs. 60 per litre recently. A fund of Rs.12 crore has been earmarked for the sector of which Rs.1 crore will be spent every month for dairy promotion and development, he said. He mentioned that emphasis would be laid on strengthening of cooperative societies in Sikkim which would help in the State being ‘self-reliant’.
Dairy development initiatives
During the occasion, the Chief Minister made several announcements such as construction of two milk production centres every year, Rs. 10 lakh to the Sikkim Milk Union from Chief Minister’s Discretion Fund, Rs. 2 lakh to the ‘Milkman of the Year Award’ who produces maximum amount of milk in a year, compensation for milk damage caused by road blockage, declaration of ‘Gwala Day’ as restricted holiday after the day will be finalised and emphasized on ‘One Family Two Cows’ policy.
He also informed that the requests put forward by the MPCS would be considered after evaluation.
Animal Husbandry minister LokNath Sharma highlighted the objectives and vision of the incentive. He informed that Sikkim is the first State to introduce the scheme in India adding that it has been introduced to show gratitude towards the hard work of the dairy farmers.
Highlighting the shortage of veterinary and technical officers in the State, the minister urged the State government to give preference to animal husbandry health, as farming is one of the main aspects of healthy living. He urged the public to not discriminate farmers, but rather respect them.
On the occasion, PuspaLal Sharma from Ratomatay, West Sikkim was presented with the ‘Milkman of the Year’ award, and Rs. 2 lakh for producing the highest of 89 litres per day.
Feedback from progressive farmers
Progressive dairy farmer C.P. Bhattarai from KamarayMPCS gave various feedbacks.
During the event, a dairy cooperative song written and composed by Sikkim Milk Union managing directorA.B. Karki in honour of dairy farmers and a short video ‘Living with Covid-19’ prepared by the Sikkim Cooperative Milk Producers’ Union Ltd were also released.
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The winners of the lockdown poetry competition on the topic ‘Gwala’ were presented with certificates and prizes. The winners were BhimLalPandey, GopalDhakal and Rup Narayan Timsina. Similarly, the best suggestion from the employees of Sikkim Milk Union on the topic ‘my role and responsibility in combatting coronavirus’ were also awarded. The winners were RoshnaRai, NimaDorjee Tamang, Ramesh Chettri and Jacob Dorjee.
Animal Husbandry secretary S.B. Subba stated that the dairy farmers of Sikkim will be getting incentives of Rs. 8 per litre for the first time in the history of the State. He informed everyone about genetically enhanced livestock which will be introduced soon in the State. He gave a brief informative overview on the various policies of the department and how the farmers and public can benefit from it.
The programme was also attended by the SLAdeputy Speaker Sangay Lepcha, cabinet ministers, MLAs, advisors, chairpersons, chief secretary additional chief secretaries, principal secretaries, senior officials and dignitaries.
