GANGTOK, (IPR): The Sikkim Co-operative Milk Producers' Union Limited celebrated the 4th Gwala Diwas at Manan Kendra today.
The event was attended by Animal Husbandry minister Puran Kumar Gurung and Cooperation minister Arun Kumar Upreti as the chief guest and guest of honour respectively.
The programme commenced with welcome address by Sikkim Milk Union chairman Yam Kumar Sharma who informed that the celebration aimed to honour and recognise the contributions of dairy farmers in the region.
In his address, minister Puran Kr Gurung emphasised the significance of the dairy industry in Sikkim and reiterated the government's dedication to supporting and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
He said, "I am greatly honored and delighted to be here today on the occasion of Gwala Diwas, a day that celebrates the invaluable contributions of dairy farmers. The Sikkim Co-operative Milk Producers' Union Limited has done a commendable job in organising this event, bringing together the community to acknowledge and appreciate the hard work and dedication of those who play a crucial role in our agricultural sector.”
He highlighted that the milk consumed daily is a testament to the relentless effort and commitment of our farmers.
The minister expressed government's full commitment to supporting the dairy sector through various initiatives aimed at improving productivity, ensuring fair prices and fostering sustainable practices.
He emphasised the importance of sustainable farming practices and the role of the Sikkim Milk Union in supporting the farmers. He advised everyone to reflect on the importance of dairy farming in their lives and to support local farmers and local production in every way possible.
Animal Husbandry secretary Dr. Sharman Rai highlighted the substantial transformations in dairy farming achieved under the leadership of the Chief Minister. He noted how these changes have improved the livelihood of farmers, increased productivity and promoted sustainable agricultural practices.
The secretary also outlined several key future plans to be implemented which includes making Sikkim a Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) free zone, achieving year-round green fodder production and establishing Sikkim as an A2 milk hub by promoting the indigenous Siri breed of cows.
Likewise, Sikkim Milk Union managing director Dr. T.B. Ghatani provided an overview of Sikkim Milk through a PowerPoint presentation. He briefly outlined the roles and functions of the Sikkim Milk Union. He informed that average daily milk procurement has increased this year to 52,544.83 litres from 23,556.00 litres last year.
Dr Ghatani mentioned that societies are provided with automatic milk collection units. Milk chilling facilities such as Bulk Milk Coolers (BMC) (50%), chest coolers and milk can coolers (100%) for evening milk collection are supported by the State government and under the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD).
He added that a biogas plant, funded by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) at Kamarey- Pakyong, connects to the kitchens of 120 farmers, producing phosphate-rich organic manure. This effort aims to reduce global warming by minimising methane exposure and preparing manure, he said.
He also stated that there are awareness programmes for farmers on society registration, and regular auditing. These programmes cover the benefits of cooling and collection facilities, handling and safety, and the recommended use of Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) type-I & II cattle feed by the NDDB to maximise cows' production capacity, improve milk quantity and quality, and enhance the reproductive health of animals.
He concluded by emphasising the awareness of Sikkim-min (mineral mixture) recommended by the NDDB, highlighting the deficiency of essential minerals in Sikkim's soil crucial for the health of animals and humans alike.
Following the event, awards and cheques were distributed by the chief guest, guest of honour and dignitaries to the first, second and third best-performing Village Milk Producers Cooperative Societies (MPCS) from each district.
In Gangtok district, Naitam MPCS secured 1st place, Luing Perbing MPCS achieved 2nd place and Simik Aritar MPCS attained 3rd place.
In Pakyong district, Suntaney MPCS recorded the highest milk supply, followed by Budang MPCS and Assam Lingzey MPCS.
In Namchi district, Melli MPCS claimed 1st place, Ben MPCS took 2nd place and Melli Dara Ward No. 2 MPCS came in 3rd place.
Soreng district saw the highest milk supply from Sribadam MPCS, followed by Khaniserbong MPCS and Deythang MPCS.
In Gyalshing district, 1st place was awarded to Lidung MPCS, 2nd place to Upper Shanku MPCS, and 3rd place to Khandu MPCS.
In Mangan district, Upper Tingzay received 1st position, Tibuk Milk PCS obtained 2nd position, and Ringhim secured 3rd position.
Additionally, an award was given to the best performing district in milk production, which was won by Namchi district for a total milk supply of 56,07,792 kgs during 2023-24.
Awards for the top three best performing milk producers’ cooperative societies in the State were also presented. Melli MPCS (Namchi) secured 1st place with a total supply of 2,55,783.70 kgs, earning a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakh. Ben MPCS (Namchi) received 2nd place for supplying 2,15,656 kgs of milk and was awarded Rs. 7 lakh. Naitam MPCS (Gangtok) came in 3rd place with a total supply of 1,85,994.70 kgs, earning a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh.
Sayar Karki, a meritorious student from the Gwala community, was felicitated by the chief guest for achieving 95.60% in the CBSE board exams. He also received a sum of Rs. 51,000 and a full college scholarship sponsored by the Chief Minister.
The Gwala Ratna Award 2023-24, formerly known as the Sikkim Milk Man Award, was announced and conferred by the chief guest to Jiwan Prasad Sharma from Pakyong district for supplying a total of 33,957 kgs of milk during 2023-24. He received a cash prize of Rs. 3 lakh.
Likewise, Sikkim Milk Union launched the SKEPL Farmers App, named Gwala App. This app is farmer-centric, allowing gwalas to access detailed information about the milk they pour, offering improved transparency regarding its value.
Additionally, the Sikkim Milk Mitra App was also launched, enabling consumers to book Sikkim Milk products through vendors and make online payments. Both apps are now available for use on the Google Play Store.
Furthermore, the launch of the Area-Specific Mineral Mixture for Sikkim and the promotion of Phosphate Rich Organic Manure (PROM) were introduced. The initiative for the Sikkim-min (mineral mixture) was recommended by the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), recognising Sikkim's soil deficiency in vital minerals essential for animal and human health, intensified due to continuous heavy rainfall.
A documentary showcasing the activities and achievements of the Sikkim Milk Union was screened during the programme.
Earlier, the Board of Directors of Sikkim Milk Union felicitated ministers Puran Kumar Gurung and Arun Kumar Upreti, and N.B. Pradhan, MLA, Melli and advisor, Animal Husbandry department.
Also present were Deputy Speaker Raj Kumari Thapa, Cabinet ministers, MLAs, former MLAs, HODs, officials from Co-operation department and Sikkim Milk Union, Boards of Directors from Sikkim Milk Union, representatives from Kisan Morcha Cell- SKM, representatives from Milk Producers Cooperative Societies and farmers.