Sikkim chief minister Pawan Chamling on the occasion of National Milk Day. Photo by Sagar Chhetri

The National Milk Day, organised by National Cooperative Dairy Federation of India (NCDFI) in collaboration with Sikkim Milk Producers Union, was celebrated at the auditorium of Manan Kendra on Sunday to mark the 96th birth anniversary of Verghese Kurien, also known as the “Father of White Revolution”.

Paying rich tribute to Verghese Kurein, chief minister Chamling said it is because of his contribution that India is self-sufficient in the field of milk production. He highlighted the key role played by the cooperative over the years. He highlighted the importance and objectives of a sustainable cooperative society and suggested the need to setup different cooperatives for different segments namely Agriculture, Dairy, Poultry, Piggery, Fishery, Floriculture, etc in the state. He also urged the farmers and members of milk union to vow for bringing White Revolution in Sikkim. He also suggested that fodders for the domestic animals should duly be prepared at home in an organic way so that animals are not fed with chemicals and thus be self-reliant in the process.

Chamling directed the Panchayats to convince the general public to grow and consume organic products saying that all the organic equipments and produce will be packaged in basket made from bamboos. He directed the Panchayats to identify uncultivated land in their respective areas and suggested ways to bring the land under cultivation. He invited all the farmers and youths to actively participate in the upcoming Organic festival event to be held at Saramsa on December 13 and Karfectar on December 15, 2017.

The programme was also attended by Speaker K.N Rai and minister for AH, LF & VS Somnath Poudyal besides others.