Livestock

Livestock in Sikkim is a contributor in the state economy of Sikkim. The dependency on livestock has gone up because of the growing population and the small part of the total land in the state being used for agriculture. Livestock is now the second best alternative after agriculture to support the economy of the state as well as the low level families for whom it would not only generate revenue but also provide protein rich food such as egg, meat, milk, etc.

The main livestocks at Sikkim which are domesticated are goats, yaks, sheep, cattle and buffalo. Apart from these many other animal are reared in Sikkim. Among these, yaks, goats known as Chengra and sheep are found mainly in the high altitudes while the Siri cows, goats, poultry, pigs, Jersy, etc. are found in the low lying lands. According to the comparison of the Census of 1977 and 1992, an increase in the population of almost all the livestocks have been noticed except buffaloes and horses.

In almost all the Five Year Plans, provisions have been made for improving the conditions of the livestock of Sikkim. As per the 8th Five Year Plan, many schemes were implemented regarding prevention of the livestock from nationally important diseases and how to increase their production capability.

The need for showing so much concern towards livestock around Sikkim is the fact that agricultural activities in the hilly region is very low because of the small portion of the total land area falling under it. People need to have the secondary source of income and livestock in Sikkim is one such medium of generating revenue for the state economy.