Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Government of India, Mr Rajiv Ranjan Singh visits Mangan District

Mangan, November 2: Following his visit to various locations in Mangan District, the Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Panchayati Raj, Government of India, Mr Rajiv Ranjan Singh, arrived at the District Administrative Centre (DAC), Mangan, to review the implementation of Central Government schemes under Poorvottar SETU.

In his address, Union Minister Mr Rajiv Ranjan Singh emphasised the effective implementation of Central Government schemes and the need for coordinated efforts to ensure that their benefits reach the intended beneficiaries. He also informed the gathering that Soreng District had been identified as an Organic Cluster for fisheries, highlighting the importance of promoting sustainable practices in the sector.

Earlier, the Union Minister inspected exhibition stalls showcasing fish, ornamental fish, fish products, dairy and animal husbandry products, along with locally grown organic vegetables, reflecting the district’s diverse agricultural and allied sector activities.

As part of the programme, Kisan Credit Cards (KCCs) were distributed to three fish farmers, while cheques were distributed to five beneficiaries under the Mukhya Mantri Matsya Uthpadhan Yojana (MMMUY).

The meeting continued with a presentation by SDM Mangan, Mr Sandeep Kumar, who provided an overview of the district profile and the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP), highlighting developmental initiatives and the progress made in the district.

This was followed by presentations by the Secretary, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department, Government of Sikkim, on animal husbandry and veterinary services in the State, and the Secretary, Fisheries Department, Government of Sikkim, who outlined the key initiatives and ongoing interventions in the fisheries sector. A documentary on the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) in Sikkim was also screened.

Presentations were subsequently made on the activities, achievements and ongoing initiatives of the Health Department, Education Department, Roads and Bridges Department, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and Women and Child Development Department in Mangan District.

The programme also witnessed several important digital launches, including the North Dairy Milk Union under White Revolution-II at Mangan and the Siri Cattle Conservation Programme, aimed at conserving and promoting the indigenous Siri cattle breed. The virtual foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Siri Bull Mother Farm at Chuchachen in Pakyong District was also held to strengthen indigenous breed conservation and genetic improvement.

Additionally, the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Organic Fish Farming in Sikkim was digitally launched. The virtual inauguration of 12 beneficiary-oriented projects across Pakyong, Gyalshing, Soreng and Mangan districts, supported under PMMSY, was also held.

An interactive session was subsequently held between the Union Minister and local farmers, providing them with an opportunity to share their experiences, raise concerns and discuss issues related to the agriculture and allied sectors.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Fisheries, Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Departments, Mr Puran Kumar Gurung, and Minister for Social Welfare, Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare, Printing and Stationery Departments, Mr Samdup Lepcha.

Also present were MLA-cum-Advisor, Mr T T Bhutia, Zilla Adhyaksha, Mr Kado Lepcha, Zilla Upadhyaksha, Ms Sonam Kipa Bhutia, Secretary, Department of Fisheries, Dr Abhilaksh Likhi, SP Mangan, Mr Rinzing Chopel Rai, senior officials from the Government of India and the State Government, including Heads of Departments, and other officials of the DAC.

The Master of Ceremony for the programme was served by BDO Mangan, Mr Kailash Thapa.

The vote of thanks was proposed by ADM Mangan, Mr Pema Wangchen Namkarpa.