A high-level delegation from the Government of Sikkim, led by Minister for Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, Agriculture, Horticulture and Fisheries, Puran Kumar Gurung, called on Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh), at his official residence in New Delhi.
The delegation also included Dr. K.T. Bhutia, Principal Director of the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services Department, and Dr. Pratik Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of the Sikkim Livestock Development Board.
During the meeting, the Sikkim delegation submitted a Demi-Official (DO) letter addressed to the Union Minister, duly signed by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang. The letter outlined a proposal for “Mission Siri,” a flagship conservation initiative aimed at the preservation and promotion of Siri cattle, an indigenous breed significant to the region.
The project is proposed to be implemented by the Sikkim Livestock Development Board under the centrally sponsored Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM). The initiative seeks to strengthen breed conservation, improve genetic quality, and enhance the livelihood of farmers dependent on livestock in the state.
The discussions were held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, with the Union Minister giving a patient hearing to the issues and proposals presented by the delegation. He appreciated the state government’s efforts to conserve indigenous cattle breeds and emphasized the importance of such initiatives in strengthening rural economies and sustainable agriculture.
Assuring full support from the Government of India, the Union Minister expressed confidence in the successful implementation of “Mission Siri.” The meeting concluded on a positive note, reflecting strong cooperation and commitment between the Centre and the State towards advancing livestock development and conservation efforts in Sikkim.
