A special yak health camp and feed distribution programme was organised at Kupup in East Sikkim on Sunday to support high-altitude herders during the winter season. The event was conducted jointly by the Sikkim Livestock Development Board (SLDB) and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services (AH&VS) under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission. The main aim of the programme was to assist yak-rearing families and protect indigenous livestock found in Sikkim’s high mountain areas.
The programme was attended by Minister for Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Agriculture, Horticulture and Fisheries, Puran Gurung. Area MLA Pamin Lepcha and panchayat members were also present. Officials from the department, including Secretary Dr Sharman Rai and senior officers, joined the event. SLDB Chief Executive Officer Dr Pratik Sharma also took part in the programme.
Speaking at the programme, departmental officials explained that harsh winter months create fodder shortages and health-related difficulties for yaks in the high-altitude region. The welcome address was given by Dr Karma T. Bhutia, who explained the purpose of the camp and the feed distribution activity. Secretary Dr Sharman Rai said that conservation of yak breeds needs urgent attention because yaks are traditional to Sikkim’s high mountains and form an important part of the local livelihood.
MLA Pamin Lepcha thanked the SLDB for regularly supporting her constituency and said that such initiatives are helpful for high-altitude families who depend on livestock. Minister Puran Gurung emphasised that both yak and Siri cattle need special care and direction because they are important indigenous breeds of Sikkim. He asked the department to continue taking strategic steps for the conservation of these animals in the coming years. He also appreciated the efforts of SLDB and AH&VS for carrying out the programme in winter when such support becomes crucial.
SLDB CEO Dr Pratik Sharma thanked the Minister and the MLA for their encouragement and said that the support of the department has helped in smoothly implementing the Rashtriya Gokul Mission for mountain livestock. He also acknowledged the support of Rajya Sabha MP D.T. Lepcha for the programme and for helping in initiatives related to livestock in the state.