The official brand name of Sikkim Milk Union was launched by Minister Somnath Poudyal Today
Gangtok: All the products of Sikkim Cooperative
Milk Producers Union (Sikkim Milk Union) will now be identified with a single
brand name. The official brand name 'Kanchenjunga' was launched today by
Minister Agriculture Horticulture and Animal Husbandry Departments Mr. Somnath
Poudyal at a special program organised at conference hall of Sikkim Milk Union
5th Mile Tadong, East Sikkim.The programme coincided with the Annual
Board Meeting of the Sikkim Milk Union.
The name 'Kanchenjunga' was selected from among a total of fifty
names shortlisted through an open competition. The winners of the competition
were also awarded cash prizes, certificates and consolation prizes on the
occasion.
Minister Mr. Poudyal in
his address congratulated the Chairman, MD, officers and staff of Sikkim Milk
Union and villagers for taking the dairy sector in the state to great heights. He expressed hope that the new brand name will create better
prospects for marketing of the products at National and international level.
The Minister also shared some of the suggestions made by farmers
during his ongoing field visits, he informed that the farmers have suggested
for enhanced marketing of agricultural products like vegetables and fruits in
the same way as milk are collected.
The Minister stated that these suggestions would be positively
responded to through a collaborative effort of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry
and Cooperation Departments. He also shared the need to facilitate supply of
cows of premium breed to support the dairy development programme.
Likewise he called for increased emphasis on high value
Agriculture to enhance the income of farmers. The Minister further informed
that the Government of India has recently allocated fund for Organic Value
Chain Development for sustenance of Organic Farming in the state which will
ensure that farmers get premium prices for their products.
Likewise, the Minister
informed that Farmers Producers Companies are being formed in the state for
value chain development. He added that Cabinet approval was granted for the
proposal and a sum of 42 crores was sanctioned. The Minister also threw light
on various collaborative initiatives taken by the Government and concerned
agencies to provide credit facilities to progressive farmers. He added that
'Development through Credit' is the motto being followed to support the farmers
in the state. In the end, the Minister called for integrating brand organic
with the tourism sector to enhance its prospects.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman, Sikkim Milk Union, Mr. M.B.
Rai highlighted the initiatives taken by Sikkim Milk Union over the years for
the development of the dairy sector in the state. He stated that the Union has
provided consistent support to farmers and helped in rural upliftment.
Earlier, Managing Director Sikkim Milk Union Mr. Kapil Meena
briefed about the recent activities of the Union and gave a brief background of
today's programme. He stated that the new brand name will give a distinct
identity to all the products of Sikkim Milk Union and increase the marketing
and export potential of the products. He informed that design for products like
milk and butter are ready to be launched, while design for other products will
be ready in a month's time. Speaking about the brand name 'Kanchenjunga' Mr
Meena stated that a distinct strategy has been made for the marketing and
promotion of products under the new brand name.
In the meantime, the Minister also launched newly installed GPS
Devices (tracking system) for twelve heavy transport vehicles with storage
facilities managed by Sikkim Milk Union. The software driven Device would help
centrally monitor the movement of the vehicles.
The programme was attended by Commissioner cum Secretary
Cooperation Department Mr. S. Surulu, Secretary Animal Husbandry Mrs. C.C.
Wangdi, Additional RCS Cooperation Department, Vice Chairman and Members of the
Milk Union Board, and officers of Sikkim Milk Union.
Category: Sikkim Government various
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