Steps for conservation of Siri Breed 

Pashu Sandesh, 06 December 2021

Answering a question in Lok Sabha on the impact of COVD on the dairy sector, the Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Parshottam Rupala informed the house that, the Department has been implementing Rashtriya Gokul Mission since 2014 with a focus on the development and conservation of indigenous bovine breeds including Siri breed of cattle from Sikkim and Siliguri of West Bengal. Following are the specific efforts made for the development and conservation of Siri breed of cattle: (i) four pockets in each district of Sikkim has been recognised as Intensive Siri Conservation Breeding Area (ISCBA) wherein Artificial Insemination, as well as natural breeding, is undertaken with the semen of Siri breed of cattle and bulls for natural service.
2. Funds are released under Rashtriya Gokul Mission for induction of Siri bulls for natural service in the breeding tract of Siri breed of cattle. Bull keepers of Siri bulls are given a grant of Rs.1000/ month for bull maintenance by the State Government of Sikkim.
3. Funds are released under Rashtriya Gokul Mission for undertaking Field Performance Recording in the breeding tract of Siri breed of cattle. Transport subsidy for transportation of milk produced from Siri cows has been made available by the State Government of Sikkim in order to promote Siri cattle rearing.
4. Paschim Banga Gosampad Bikas Sanstha of West Bengal has inducted high genetic merit bulls of Siri breed of cattle at semen station for the production of quality semen doses.