Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh inaugurated key dairy infrastructure initiatives in Sikkim, highlighting significant growth in the state's dairy sector. Sikkim recorded a 79% growth in milk production over the last decade, increasing from 1.37 lakh litres to 2.45 lakh litres per day. The number of dairy cooperative societies grew by 88% from 389 in 2014–15 to 733 in 2025–26, while daily milk supply to consumers doubled from 28,000 litres to 56,000 litres.
The Minister inaugurated the Microbiology Laboratory of the Sikkim Milk Union under the National Programme for Dairy Development, which aims to strengthen microbiological testing and quality assessment for improved food safety. He launched the Churpi Traceability initiative to enhance traceability and marketability of the traditional dairy product, and witnessed the launch of Fodder Plus products developed by Farmer Producer Organisations to address fodder availability and create diversified income opportunities.
Five newly established Dairy Cooperative Societies received registration certificates, expanding the cooperative dairy network in Sikkim. The Minister announced that the Central Government would sanction funds for establishing a Centre of Excellence for the conservation and development of indigenous Siri cattle, promoting advanced breeding technologies including IVF to improve genetic potential and milk productivity. Additionally, NDDB will finance and undertake comprehensive modernization of the existing dairy processing plant in Mangan district, following the successful model implemented in Mizoram.
The Minister emphasized the role of dairy cooperatives in ensuring milk quality, preventing adulteration, and securing fair returns for farmers, citing the example of Varanasi where NDDB's intervention increased milk collection from 14,000 litres per day in 2022 to approximately 2.5 lakh litres per day, with farmer prices increasing from ₹28–30 to ₹42 per litre.