ANNUAL PLAN 2002-03
Animal Husbandry/Veterinary Services and Dairying in Sikkim

DEMAND NO. 2

Sikkim has entered upon an era of intensive development after the historic constitutional change of April, 1975 through which the State joined the mainstream of national life, becoming the 22^nd State of the Indian Union. However, planned economic and social development in Sikkim was first envisaged in 1952, the first Seven Year Development Plan of Sikkim (1954-60) was introduced under the chairmanship of Chogyal Late Palden Thondup Namgyal. It was he who laid the foundation of development plans of Sikkim. Prior to first plan there was no organized effort to develop Animal Husbandry Scheme in the State though the State enjoys all appropriate natural conditions and has enormous potentiality/scope for developing such a promising and economically viable sector.

However, after the creation of separate Department of Animal husbandry and Vety. Services in 1975, various scientifically based livestock production schemes were launched to suit the peculiar agro-climatic conditions, geographical profile, cultural traditions and the food habits of people of the region. The basic aim was largely to encourage the farmers to take up these schemes as a sources of their livelihood.

BRIEF REVIEW OF IXTH FIVE YEAR PLAN (1997-2002)

The congenial temperate climate and its temperate vegetation existing in the Sikkim Himalayas are highly favourable for exotic high producing livestock. Moreover, the highlanders like Lachungpas, Lachenpas, Gurungs and Sherpas have a traditional pastoral economy which has been handed over from generation to genration with their typical kinds of livestock such as yaks, sheep, mountain goats, pigs and poultry.

Owing to mountainous terrain only 11% of the total area is under cultivation whereas almost 50% of the total area of 7100 squkm is available for livestock farming 99% of 3.35 lakhs population in Sikkim rear cattle, goats, pigs, sheep, poultry and yak in small number and utilize the forest for fodder. The present rural livelihood system is well balanced from ecological point of view. However, with the increase in population and the limited availability of land (as 70% of the holding in Sikkim are smaller than 2 hectares) there is already great pressure on the cultivable land and forest on the environment as well. Many farmers are complaining about the change in environment and decline in soil fertility. Hence, under such situation livestock farming which requires minimal use of land, labour and capital would be ideal sustainable model for the development in such difficult mountainous terrain. Moreover, almost 70% of the farmers rear their livestock under stall fed condition and has drastically reduced pressure on land due to over grazing. The grass and legumes planted on steep soil not only provide nutrition but protect the land from erosion and add nitrogen to the soil. The development of livestock would not only provide supplementary source of income but would provide high protein rich food items such as milk, eggs and meat and organic manure for crop production.

The financial and physical targets achieved during VTH, VITH, VIITH, VIIITH AND IXTH Year Plan periods are as under:-

A Financial Targets and Achievements

Animal Husbandry Dairy Development & Vety. Services Dairy Dev. Total 1. Vth Five Year Plan (1976-80) Actual 235.54 27.81 263.35 2. VIth Five Year Plan (1980-85) Actual 511.46 87.10 598.56 3. VIIth Five Year Plan (1985-90) Actual 878.16 96.71 974.87 4. VIIIth Five Year Plan (1992-97) Actual 1619.59 146.00 1765.59 5. IXth Five Year Plan (1997-2002) Actual 2425.00 200.00 1881.00

 

PHYSICAL TARGET AND ACHIEVEMENT IN IMPORTANT SECTORS

Plan Milk production In 1000 tonnes Eggs production In Million Nos. Wool production In lakhs/kgs 5th Plan 10.95 1.25 0.24 6th Plan 19.00 3.50 0.24 7th Plan 27.00 12.00 0.26 8th Plan 34.00 17.00 0.36 9th Plan 37.00 10.03 0.15

 

The per capita availability of the livestock products during 5^th, 6^th, 7^th, 8^th and 9^th Five Year Plan are indicated below:-

Plans Milk availability Eggs availability 5th Plan 132 ml 6 6th Plan 148 ml 10 7th Plan 163 ml 28 8th Plan 213 ml 37 9th Plan 243 ml 25

LIVESTOCK POPULATION:

Livestock 1977 Census 1997 Census % of Income/ decrease Cattle 157546 143024 9.22(-) Buffaloes 5438 1970 63.77(-) Sheep 16104 5023 68.79(-) Pigs 18595 26975 45.05(+) Goats 88986 82980 6.83(-) Poultry 220927 219552 0.62(-) Yak 3995 4731 19.67(+)

 

Livestock population in Sikkim is widely distributed. In the high altitude areas yaks, sheep and local goats known as "Chengra" predominate whereas in the mid hill and low lying areas the important breeds are siri-cows, jersey and H.F. crossbred, goats, poultry and pigs are reared. In almost all these livestock the exotic blood inheritance level is increasing due to continuous introduction of genetically superior germplasm. In Sikkim the first official livestock census was conducted in 1977. There is no dramatic increase in livestock population except pigs and yaks. However, the crossbred of productive animals especially cattle have increased over the years. Details may be referred at Annexure I&II.

The infrastructure so far developed are as under:-

INSTITUTIONS   Veterinary Hospital 12 Dispensaries 25 Stockman Centre 65 Livestock Farms 12 Livestock Check Post 4 Milk Processing Plant 3 Milk Chilling Plant 2 Cheese Plant 1

As can be seen from the figures indicated at above, with the creation of an independent Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services in 1975 a number of livestock farms and Veterinary Hospitals were established. Primary importance was given to the animal health sector which was complementary to the extension wing like the development of cattle, poultry, sheep and goal and other livestocks on one hand and the development of feed, fodder and dairy on the other.

Major approach and strategies for livestock development during the 10^th Five Year Plan would be as under:-

1. Genetic improvement of important livestock breeds and by selective breeding of low producing non-descript stock and the conservation of important indigenous breeds.

2. Optimize the use of crop residue through provision of appropriate feed supplement and conservation of green fodder.

3. Promotion of stall feeding in order to progressively reduce overgrazing of village grazing land and denudation of marginal land.

4. Development of an adequate Animal Health Service foor protection of livestock with special emphasis or Rinderpest, Food and Mouth Disease, Rabies and Helminth control.

5. Strengthening the dairy sector through Integrated Dairy Development Project to achieve better financial viability of Co-operative institutions and professionalisation of management at different levels.

6. To emphasize Dairy Development activity of non-operation flood district to minimize regional disparities.

7. Popularization of rural backyard rearing of small animals like, rabbit, pigs and means of generating employment and raising the income level of the rural poor.

8. Improvement of database in respect of livestock and livestock products.

9. Subsidy: in order to streamline the marketing and production of various livestock products it is proposed to subsidize the important components like feed and other inputs.

ANIMAL PRODUCTIVITY

The main thrust during the 10^th Five Year Plan period would be towards increasing productivity of existing stock rather than increasing their numbers. Hence, genetic improvement in livestock through cross breeding would be continued and further strengthened.

• The bull rearing farm at Karfectar would be further strengthened to produce superior bulls and a new superior bulls production farm at Ravongla would also be established.
• One frozen semen station would be established in the State to preserve semen of not only superior cattle but yaks and local siri cows.
• Open up more artificial insemination centers and develop efficient liquid Nitrogen and Semen delivery system and maintain their continuous supply.
• The breeding programme would provide follow up insemination services like infertility and sterility to ensure successful conception.
• Embryo transfer technology would be initiated in the selected area.
• In the higher altitude Angora Rabbit for wool production would be intensified by opening two breeding farms and increase the rabbit population to 20,000 Nos.
• Intensive commercial poultry and pig production will emerge under the private sector The genetic materials for both layer and brother type parent stock will be locally produced Similarly, the parent stock for the pigs will be developed.
• Slaughter houses will be constructed in each district and antemortem and post mortem meat inspection procedures will be introduced to have hygienic and wholesome quality meat.

ANIMAL NUTRITION FEED AND FODDER DEVELOPMENT

The Feed and Fodder resources development programme is the most important factor on which will depend the success of Animal Husbandry Programme since feed and fodder alone constitute 60-70% of the cost of production of the various livestock products.

The following measures shall be adopted to meet the above target:-

1. Seed Production Farms:

The existing seed production farms in the State will further be strengthened for the production of certified seeds of grasses and legumes by providing irrigation and seed testing laboratory facilities. This system will ensure quality control of seed in addition to above seed production through certified growers.

2. Development of Natural Pastures:

The trial conducted at the Pangthang fodder seed farm indicate that many temperate grasses and legumes tends to thrive well in adverse climate extensive planting of these species will be undertaken in collaboration with the Forest Department.

3. Creation of Fodder Bank:

Fodder development in draught prone zone in South, West and East Districts merits priority. It is proposed to establish a fodder bank in South and Mangalbaria in West District. Under this scheme it is, proposed to acquire 50 acres of land wherein fodder production as well as conservation will be undertaken. The fodder produced in these farms will be distributed to other districts as and when required.

Animal Health:

Veterinary Services in the State are being provided through a net work of Veterinary Hospitals, Dispensaries and Stockman Centres. However, 50% of these centers are functioning in rented premises. The State has also established Disease Investigation Lab. In each districts with central Disease Investigation Lab at Gangtok. The main concentration in this sector during the 10^th Five Year Plan Period would be as follows:-

• Construction of Animal Health Centres in the existing land being acquired by the department.
• The existing Central Referral Disease Investigation laboratory and the district level Disease Investigation laboratory shall be strengthened.
• Major thrust on prevention and control of Zoonotic diseases and to maintain the State free from Rinderpest disease.
• Renovation and strengthening of the existing Animal Health Centres.

DAIRY DEVELOPMENT

Rural Milk Procurement processing and marketing shall continue to remain as main plank of dairy development in the State. The thrust in remote areas would be towards high value milk by products like Cheese, Paneer etc. to reduce transport cost. The North value milk by products like Cheese, Paneer etc. to reduce transport cost. The North District Dairy Development, Department of AH&VS proposes to form Tribal Dairy Development Corporation Limited in North Sikkim so that the activities under Dairying could be geared up smoothly on autonomous basis. The proposed Tribal Dairy Development Corporation will procure and market 2000 litres milk and will enrol atleast 1200 Nos. of tribal milk producers in the day to day milk business in North Sikkim.

Regarding Sikkim Milk Union the Department of AH&VS would continue to support on the technical and financial aspect of milk procurement, processing and marketing undertaken by the Sikkim Milk Union.

Keeping in view of the two historic documents on "Sikkim the People’s Vision" and "Sikkim Human Development Reprot" recently been release by the State Government, the Xth Five Year Plan has also envisaged to address the following sectors:-

• Establishment of Polyclinics of Deorali, Gangtok with all the required facilities.
• Establishment of additional Veterinary Hospitals, Dispensaries and Stockman Centres
• Establishment of Disease Investigation laboratory at Sub-division level
• Capacity building programme will be strengthened by deputing inservice study of officials.
• Implementation of "Regulation of Veterinary practices" as per the guidelines of Veterinary Council of India.
• Livestock Production of Programme for Rural poor. Special programme for rearing small units of livestock i.e. cross breed crows, or 10 yaks or 20 sheep or goats or 10 pigs or 100-500 poultry birds by small farmers and land less labourers as a source of supplementary income shall be started. Feed and fodder, animal health and credit facilities with rural bank and the marketing and collection of their produce will be organized as it is being done by Sikkim Milk Union. The Sikkim Poultry Development Corporation will be designated as Sikkim Livestock and Poultry Development Corporation will be designed as Sikkim Livestock and Poultry Development Corporation to cater to the needs of the small farmers.
• Preservation of Indigenous Domestic and Wild Life animals. Sikkim is known for a number of animals like Siri, Banpala, Sheep, Poultry, Yaks Lepcha Pigs and a number of wild life species. However, with the introduction of cross breeding programmes, poaching etc., these breeds which have been evolved over the millennia are now disappearing at a fast rate. There is therefore an urgent task to evaluate, documented and conserve these different genotypes. Hence, it is proposed to open two centers i.e. one for the high altitude species and other for the lower sub tropical species and the activities of two centers would be to conserve the animal bio-diversity and at the same time to balance the domestic livestock and wild life population.

VOCATIONAL ANIMAL TRAINING CENTRE:

Under the animal management system the existing extension and training sector would be converted into a separate directorate. An animal management training center to train the educated unemployed youth and can be referred as Post Secondary School Vocational Training Centre on Animal Husbandry would be set up with a provision of rearing cattle poultry and pigs.

Encouragement of private entrepreneurs in the production of meet, egg. Milk and wool as a viable economical unit.

Enforcement and implementation of various livestock diseases and livestook products control Act.

Establishment of Animal feed plant fodder banks, fodder seed farm, community pasture Development programme under private sectors and Judicious utilization of Agricultural by products.

ACHIEVEMENTS AS WELL AS THE SHORTFALLS DURING THE NINGH PLAN PERIOD IN RELATION TO BOTH PHYSICAL AND FINANCIAL TARGETS IN BRIEF ARE AS UNDER:-

FINANCIAL TARGETS AND ANTICIPATED ACHIEVEMENT AND ALSO SHORTFALL

(Rs in lakhs)

APPROVED 9TH PLAN ACTUAL ACHIEVEMENT   2625.00 1881.00 744.00

 

As indicated above out of the approved 9^th Five Year Plan Outlay Rs 2625.00 lakhs the annual plan provided during the past four annual plan and the terminal year of the 9^th Five Year Plan are as under:-

(Rs in lakhs)

1997-98 1998-99 1999-2000 2000-01 2001-2002 Total 380.00 326.00 320.00 375.00 480.00 1881.00

 

Thus, the total annual plan including the terminal year of 9^th Five Year Plan (2000-02) comes to Rs 1881.00 lakhs leaving a shortfall of RS 7.44 crores.

PHYSICAL

Unit 9th Plan target Anticipated Achievement Shortfall Milk 000 tonnes 37.00 37.00 - Eggs In million 10.00 10.00 03 Wool 000 kgs. 15.00 10.00 5.00 Meat 000 tonnes 3.00 3.00 - Establishment of Vety. Hospital 16.00 12.00 4.00 Establishment of Stockman Centre 71.00 65.00 6.00

 

As can be seen from the above figures the shortfall in achieving physical targets have been due to budgetary constraint.

Some of the New Projects/Schemes proposed for the 10^th Five Year Plan are as under:-

In order to increase the productivity of various types of livestock it is essential to have a sound net-works of Livestock Health Centres for which it is proposed to establish Live stock Health Centre as under with a proposed budgetary provision of Rs 900.00 lakhs.

1. Establishment of State Polyclinic.

2. Establishment of 4 Nos. of Veterinary Hospitals.

3. Establishment of 6 Nos. of Stockman Centre.

The State Polyclinic and other Animal Health Centres shall be established in phased manner with the terminal year of completion by 2002-2007. Accordingly, the budgetary provision is also earmarked in a phased manner out of the total proposed budgetary outlay of Rs 900.00 lakhs as under:-

(Rs in lakhs)

Proposed Budget 1st Year 2nd Year 3rd Year 4th Year 5th Year (a) Polyclinic 150.00 25.00 25.00 50.00 30.00 20.00 (b) Hospital 200.00 25.00 25.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 (c) Stockman Centres 150.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 25.00 50.00

 

The proposed State Polyclinic Centre shall be established at the State Veterinary hospital Deorali, Gangtok and the Veterinary Hospitals and Stockman Centres are proposed to be established as under:-

Vety. Hospitals   4 Nos. 1. Central Pandam (East Eidstrict)   2. Namthang (South District)   3. Tashiding/Yoksom (West District)   4. Phoodong (North District) Stockman Centres   6 Nos. a) Nandok (East District)   b) Sudunglakha (East District)   c) Mamring (East District)   d) Chingthang (West District)   e) Sordung (West District)   f) Melli (South District)

 

Establishment of Vocational Animal Management Training Centre

Based on the two historic documents on "Sikkim the People’s Vision" and "Sikkim Human Development Report" brought out by the State Government, it is envisaged to establish a "Vocational Animal Management Training Centre on Train the educated unemployed youth with a provision of rearing Cattle, Poultry and Pigs. An outlay of RS 100.00 lakhs has been envisaged during the 10^th Plan period and shall be utilized in a phased manner as under:-

(Rs in lakhs)

 

VACCINES AND MEDICINES

Under Vety. Services and Animal Health the requirement of budgetary provision for the procurement of Vaccines and Medicines comes to Rs 100.00 lakhs per annum. The estimated cost of the vaccines and vaccines is besed on the "Annual Disease Incidence Report" compiled by the Disease Investigation Cell of the department vis-à-vis total livestock population prevailing in the State.

The requirement worked out based on the Annual Disease incidence report are as under:-

MEDICINE

Sl. No Types of disease Nos. of Animal affected Treatment cost 1. Digestive Disorder 14,000 2,98.000.00 2. Respiratory Disease 3,550 3,66,000.00 3. Metabolic Disease 700 45,000.00 4. Deficiency Disease (Vitamin) 1,000 56,000.00 5. Skin Disease 3,400 7,50,000.00 6. Protozoan Disease 5,900 2,67,000.00 7. Parasitic Disease (Lever fluke) 4,600 3,16,000.00 8. Reproductive Disorder 2,500 2,20,000.00 9. Deworming 1,43,000 50,00,000.00       72,18,000.00

 

VACCINES

Sl. No Type of Disease Animal Population Cost of Vaccination 1. H.S.& B.O. 1,43,000 3,86,000.00 2. Swine Fever 27,000 4,42,000.00 3. Enterotoximea 88,000 2,20,000.00 4. Brucellosis 1,43,000 10.00,000.00 5. Rabies 23,500 17,60,000.00       38,08,000.00

 

Hence, total cost on purchase of medicine and vaccine comes around Rs 110.00 lakhs.

Similarly, the requirement worked out based on the total live-stock population and with an assumption that a live-stock owner shall spend minimum of Rs 50/- per annum per large animal and Rs 20/- annum per small animal comes as under:-

Types of Live-stock Population @/annum Amount 1. Cattle, Buffaloes and Pig 1,70,000 50/- 85,00,000.00 2. Sheep, Goat, Dog 1,10,000 20/- 22,00,000.00 Total     107,00,000.00

 

It comes around 107 lakhs only. The cost of medicine worked out as per the Annual Disease Incidence Report and as per the population comes almost same.

LIVESTOCK FEED

Under Feed and Fodder Development the requirement of budgetary provision for the purchase of feed alone comes to Rs 37.00 lakhs per annum. The estimated cost of the feed is worked out based on the scientific feeding schedule vis-à-vis livestock population being maintained at various Veterinary Institution and Farms and also on prevailing price of concentrated feed as under:-

Type of livestock Quantity Rate/Kg Amount in lakhs Cattle feed 150 MT 7/KG 10.50 Pig feed 200 MT 10/KG 20.00 Rabbit feed 40 MT 15/KG 6.00 Total     36.50

 

XTH FIVE YEAR PLAN TARGETS:

(A) PHYSICAL

The proposed production targets for various animal products during the Xth Plan are follows:-

Milk 45,000 metric tons Eggs 20 million Wool 10,000 kgs Meat 6000 metric tons

 

Sl. No Type of meat Minimum requirement 1. Beef 2500 MT 2. Poultry 1200 MT 3. Pork 1500 MT 4. Sheep and Goat 800 MT     6000 MT

 

In order to make the availability of minimum requirement of meat, it is proposed to increase the internal production by 6000 MT by the end of Xth Plan.

(b) FINANCIAL

The total approved fund outlay included Rs 2425.00 lakhs for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Sector and Rs 274.00 lakhs for Dairy Development. Details are presented below.

XTH FIVE YEAR PLAN-ANNUAL PLAN (2002-2003)

Sl. No Scheme Xth Plan (original proposal of the Deptt. Capital Xth Plan (approved by the Planning Commission Capital Annual plan 2002-2003 approved outlay Capital 1. Direction and Adm. 150.00   150.00   31.65 20.00 2. Vety. Services & Animal Health 900.00 500.00 600.00 200.00 131.65 6.00 3. Cattle Development 770.00 300.00 500.00 100.00 147.80   4. Poultry Development 450.00 100.00 150.00   1.00   5. Sheep and Wool Dev. 80.00   50.00   1.00   6. Piggery Dev. 250.00 100.00 225.00 100.00 26.00   7. Other Livestock Dev. 150.00 50.00 100.00   7.50   8. Feed & Fodder Dev. 350.00 50.00 200.00 50.00 43.05   9. Extension & Training 150.00 100.00 100.00 50.00 12.35   10. Investigation & Stats. 100.00   100.00   12.05   11. Other Expenditure 100.00   100.00   23.00   12. Animal Research 150.00   150.00   67.25     Total AH&VS 3600.00 1200.00 2425.00 500.00 505.00 26.00   Dairy Development 400.00   274.00 175.00       Grand Total 4000.00 1200.00 2699.00 500.00 680.00 26.00

 

DIRECTION & ADMINISTRATION:

10^TH PLAN                               : Rs 150.00 lakhs
ANNUAL PLAN 2002-2003       : Rs 31.65 lakhs.

The above provision is intended to meet the salaries and wages of the manpower engaged in production potential of livestock and health coverage. It also includes strengthening and furnishing of Nine Sub-Division in the State.

VETERINARY SERVICES AND ANIMAL HEALTH:

10^TH PLAN                                   : Rs 600.00 lakhs Capital : Rs 200.00 lakhs
ANNUAL PLAN 2002-2003           : Rs 131.65 lakhs Capital: Rs 20.00 lakhs

Animal Health is the foundation of the animal production. The provision of adequate veterinary services is extremely necessary to provide sufficient health coverage to the far flung areas of the State. It is proposed to established more veterinary hospitals, dispensaries and stockman centers besides providing optimum infrastructural facilities in the centers already established. The idea is to make services and basic facilities available to the farmers within reasonable distance and remedial measures taken in time as for the infections and communicable diseases are concerned. Adequate diagnostic facilities would be made available in all the districts/hospitals for prompt diagnosis of diseases and their efficient treatment. A proper disease reporting system and disease surveillance which formed the core of field veterinary care during the 9^th Five Year Plan shall further strengthened during the 10^th Plan.

1. Establishment of Animal Treatment Centres:

Creation of sufficient network of animal treatment centers is very important in the State of Sikkim as most of the areas where livestock are concentrated are located in the far flung areas with the difficult terrain. Under the existing programme the department has established many treatment centers yet still they are not at all sufficient in terms of quality and quantity. Hence, in the 10^th Five Year Plan, the department would develop and create infrastructure for the existing treatment centers and also for the new centers. The detail are discussed below:-

(A) Establishment of Animal Treatment Centres:

During the 10^th Five Year Plan the following animal treatment centers would be opened:

(a) State Polyclinic- 1 (b) Vety. Hospitals - 4 (c) Stockman Centres 6

 

(B) Up gradation of existing Animal Treatment Centres:

Two of the existing Vety., Dispensary will be upgraded to full fledged Vety. Hospitals with minimum working facilities.

(C) Strengthening of existing Stockman Centres:

The existing stockman centers in most of the areas are still located in rented building it is proposed to acquire land and build up infrastructure in 30 of such centers.

2. Disease Prevention and Control System:

A separate Disease Investigation Cell (DIC) has been constituted within the department during the 9^th Plan period. The Cell shall be further strengthen by improving the existing Central Referral Laboratory at Deorali, Gangtok and district laboratories by procuring required hi-tech equipments and instruments.

CATTLE DEVELOPMENT:-

10^TH FIVE YEAR PLAN               Rs 500.00 LAKHS CAPITAL : RS 100.00 LAKHS
ANNUAL PLAN 2002-2003          Rs 147.80 LAKHS CAPITAL : Rs 6.00 LAKHS

Development of cattle wealth is one of the most important responsibility of the State Department of AH & VS as 90% out of 5.40 lakhs State population of Sikkim rear cattle for income, draft power and manure.

The main thrust during the 10^th Five Year Plan period would be toward increasing productivity of existing stock rather than increasing their numbers. Hence, genetic improvement in livestock through cross breeding would be continued and further strengthened.

• The bull rearing farm at Karfectar would be further strengthened to produce superior bulls and a new superior bulls production farm at Ravongla would also be established.
• One frozen semen station would be established in the State to preserve semen of not only superior cattle but yaks and local siri cows etc.
• Open up more artificial insemination centers and develop efficient liquid Nitrogen and Semen delivery system and maintain their continuous supply.
• The breeding programme would provide follow up insemination services like fertility and sterlity to ensure successful conception.
• Embryo transfer technology would be initiated in the selected area.

CO-OPERATIVE HEIFER RAISING FARMS UNDER PRIVATE SECTOR

Every year more than 1000 cows are introduced in Sikkim by Bank, IRDP, CSS private farmers and the Department under various schemes. The introduction of cows also introduces new diseases which are not prevalent in Sikkim. Moreover, with the limited and available, the Department will not be in a position to expand the cattle farms. Hence, under this new programme co-operative heifer raising farms in the four districts of Sikkim will be set up. Under this new programme each society will be registered under Milk Union and they will be provided free At facilities, frozen semen, balanced feed on subsidy. Subsidy will also be provided for fodder production and its conservation. In the 10^th Five Year Plan four such Co-operative Societies will be set up and the heifer produced by these societies will be distributed to the farmers under IRDP and bankable schemes.

ASSISTANCE TO THE PROGRESSIVE FARMERS UNDER BANKABLE PROJECT IN CATTLE FARMING

It is also proposed to assist the progressive farmers and unemployed youth in the State to the tune of 25% of the total cost in setting up cattle farms. The subsidy will be limited to capital expenditure incurred in buying stock and construction of byre on modern line. This will enable the Department to produce more cross bred heifers/cows in the State, thus minimizing further import of cross bred cows from the neighbouring States. It is proposed to cover 500 unemployed youth having minimum 2 acres of land under the programme. The programme would be implemented in collaboration with National Banks.

POULTRY DEVELOPMENT:-

10^TH PLAN                              RS 150.00 LAKHS CAPITAL:
ANNUAL PLAN 2002-03         Rs 1.00 LAKHS CAPITAL: NIL

Poultry has emerged as the fastest growing segment not only of the livestock sector, but of agricultural as a whole. Its farming, among others, non-activities offers greater scope for being taken up by the weaker section of the society, specially the small marginal farmers, agricultural labour, educated unemployment youths, members of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes communities and women folks to elevate these segment above the poverty line. It has thus become an important activity for enhancing nutrition and providing employment, economic enterprise in the State.

However, poultry has still a long way to go fulfil its role as an effective instrument of socio-economic upliftment of the rural masses and as a source for meeting our protein requirements. With the handing over of Tadong Poultry Breeding Farm Complex to the Health Department and the conversion of Karfectar Poultry Farm to State Bull Raring Farm, the poultry programme remained stand still during the 8^th Five Year Plan and same situation remained in the 9^th Plan. Moreover, the fund received during the 9^th Five Year was not sufficient to create required infrastructure for sustainable poultry farming under Animal Husbandry & Vety. Services Department. However, during the terminal year of the 9^th Plan the Department could establish 2 Nos. of Layer Parent Stock Farm at Karfectar, South Sikkim and Chujachen, East Sikkim under 100% Central Assistance. The Department shall continue to strengthen these parent stock farms during the 10^th Plan. The commercial chicks produced out of these parent stock farm shall be distributed to poultry farms under various bankable schemes.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO STATE POULTRY DEV. CORPORATION

The Sikkim Poultry Dev. Corporation was established in the year 1992 to promote poultry development activities in the State. The corporation has completed the construction of Hatchery Building at Bermoik, South Sikkim in collaboration with Venkateshwara group of Hatcheries. This Hatchery produces 15,000 day old chicks per week. The Corporation is yet to establish the parent stock breeding farms for both the layer and broiler poultry though the sufficient land is available to establish such breeding farms by the corporation in order to establish such breeding farms, the State Department has to assist this project for which it is proposed to provide financial assistance to the tune of Rs 200.00 lakhs during the 10^th Plan Period.

The detail financial involvement of the project is given in the Annexure.

ESTABLISHMENT OF POULTRY CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES:

The department conduced a survey in collaboration with AFC to determine the consumption of eggs and poultry meat in the State. As per the survey report the requirements of the poultry meat and table eggs in the State has been estimated to 4084.47 MT and 3,62,13,287 Nos. respectively.

Hence, in order to achieve the above target it is proposed to set up 8 poultry Cooperative Societies in the State in collaboration with Nation Co-operative Dev. Corporation and National Banks. The Department shall provide technical guidance and financial support to the beneficiaries.

SHEEP AND WOOL DEVELOPMENT

10^TH PLAN                                    : Rs 50.00 LAKHS
ANNUAL PLAN 2002-03               : Rs 1.00 LAKHS

Raising of sheep has been a traditional practice of the high altitude dwellers of the State particularly in the North and West districts. However, due to decline in grazing area and ban on grazing in the forest ara no new thrust is envisaged on this particular species. The above token provision is intended to carry out the ongoing activities.

PIGGERY DEVELOPMENT<