CM awards milkman of the year, best performing district on Sikkim’s Gwala Diwas

New Delhi, July 4: Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang attended the third Gwala Diwas 2023, at Jorethang, South Sikkim on Saturday. The programme was organised by Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department (AH&VS) in collaboration with Sikkim Co-operative Milk Producers’ Limited and North Sikkim Co-operative Milk Union Limited.

Addressing the huge gathering, the Chief Minister expressed his appreciation and extended his warm wishes to the Gwalas, for their contribution in making Sikkim an exemplary State as the leader of White Revolution. He emphasised that this Diwas, which has been conceptualised by the State Government to upgrade the status of the dairy farmers is unique and places the welfare of the rural community as the priority. It symbolises the commitment of the State Government towards the Gwalas.

The Chief Minister presented a slew of announcements for Gwalas and Milk producers Cooperations. He declared that on 15th August, the State Governmaent will award the best Milk Cooperative Society for the first, second and third place, which will include a sum total of Rs. 10 Lakh, Rs. 7 Lakh and Rs. 5 Lakh, respectively, from the Chief Minister’s Discretionary Grant. He also proposed that the Milk incentives for the Gwalas would be enhanced in the future. The State Government has devised a plan to distribute two thousand Holstein Breed Cows (Jersey Cows), which will be applicable to those who are unable to procure on their own. He informed that a total of forty Milk Collection Centre will be set up across the State for increased network and for this, he directed the concerned department to submit the requirement at the earliest as these Cooperatives will push milk production and for the same, Rs. Five Lakh will be allocated per centre. Moreover, he urged the stakeholders to engage sincerely in this mission to create a robust ground for milk production/supply in the State.

Concerning, the increase of Lumpy Skin Disease, the Chief Minister updated that as per report, a total of 37,500 cows have already been vaccinated. He also applauded the efforts of the officials and staff of AH&VS who were able to contain the spread and curb the fatalities of the cattle through advanced and regular vaccination. Further, he directed that the State Government will continue with the compensation, once verified by the concerned Department.

Speaking on the various welfare measures created by the State Government, the Chief Minister said that Siliguri will soon have an office-cum-facility for medical assistance for those seeking medical attention in the city. The Chief Minister spoke on the various house upgradations extended by the State Government, wherein coverage has risen to 50,000.

Namchi District was declared as the Best Performing District with Total Quantity of Milk supplied during the year 2022-2023, which was 59,36,145 kg. The average milk supplied per day was 16,263.41. kg.

Meena Rai, from Suntaley, Pakyong District was named as the Milk Person of the Year, 2023 with the total of 1,24,969kg supplied during the year 2022-2023. She was awarded with an incentive amount of Rs.9,99,752 for the average quantity of milk supplied per day, which was 342.38kg. This is the second win in a row for Meena Rai, for which she received a standing ovation from the gathering.

The Chief Minister along with the dignitaries distributed tokens and cheques to the progressive dairy milk suppliers, distributers, societies in the state.

Earlier in the programme, the Chief Minister also inaugurated Sikkim Paryavaran Parva, under Forest Department, themed ‘Leave a Green Legacy’.