Importance of Animal Husbandry in Sikkim (Article Writing)

-Lhajomla Bhutia

Husbandry has a long history, starting with the Neolithic Revolution when animals were first domesticated, from around 13,000 BC onwards, predating farming of the first crops. By the time of early civilisations such as ancient Egypt, cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs were being raised on farms. Dogs were the first animals to get domesticated.

Animal husbandry refers to livestock raising and selective breeding. It is the management and care of animals in which the genetic qualities and behaviour of animals are further developed for profit.

In the state of Sikkim, Animal husbandry not only provides employment to the breeders and researchers but also to the farmers, meat shopkeepers etc. Animal Husbandry sector is the major source of rural household income for over 70% of the rural household where the medium and large livestock provide a substantial share of the household income. Livestock production in Sikkim takes place in small and tiny holdings scattered all over the state. The department that is in charge is, The Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services that have been continuously supporting the farmers in the production of milk, fish, meat and egg by providing the necessary infrastructure and inputs.

Livestock production has boost in the Sikkim economy with contribution of 8.16% GSDP to the GDP. 70% of the workforce of Sikkim is involved in the sector. Milk is the second most produced agriculture item after maize. The main objectives of Animal Husbandry are to promote animal health. In this way, both the health of the people and the animals can be maintained. It improves productivity of pasture lands by introducing improved fodder seeds and increased use of wasteland for fodder production.

In Sikkim, Animal Husbandry not only includes the rearing of cows, poultry and pigs but surprisingly it includes the rearing of goat, sheep, emu, rabbit, quail, turkey etc. All these animals are reared for their meat, egg, skin, oil, hide etc. Pig farming may sound messy but the faeces from it are used for soil fertility. Turkey meat contains essential amino acids and vitamins. Quail eggs contain less cholesterol and the meat is nourishing for the pregnant mothers. Rabbit meat is rich in protein and its fur is used in the textile industry. Emu have high economic value for their fur, meat, egg and oil. Sheep is domesticated for their wool and milk. Also, they are used for scarifies by different religions. In India, goat is called the ‘poor man’s cow’ and is easy to rear for their meat and milk. Also, goat manure is a great bio fertilizer for cultivated fields.

Therefore, Animal Husbandry in Sikkim is a blessing as it helps the state to prosper economically wise. It enables the contribution of small marginal farmers with low educational degree to get equal work facilities with a breeder who has high educational qualifications. It helps our state to stand in a good position in the world filled with competing markets. It utilizes the skill of the people to the maximum potential.

However, working in Animal Husbandry sector is not a popular idea. Many youth are not aware of the opportunity provided in this sector. With family pressure, most of them end of taking medical or engineering courses. I hope this article reaches to those who are scared to voice out their choices in life especially the choice of choosing college steams. If you have no interest in medical or engineering then Agriculture and Animal Husbandry is always a good option. They may say doctors are like god as they save us from diseases but remember it’s the people from the agriculture and Animal Husbandry sector that feed those doctors.

         Thank You!