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INTRODUCTION

16^TH QUINQUENNIAL LIVESTOCK CENSUS –1997 – SIKKIM

Sikkim is a state of India, situated in the Eastern Himalayan Region and predominantly a land of hills, spread over an area of 7096 Sq.Km. between 27⁰ 00’46’’ and 28⁰ 07’48’’, North latitudes and 88⁰ 00’58’’ and 88⁰ 55’25’’ East Latitude is surrounded by high Himalayan ranges, having common border, Tibet in the North and North-East, Nepal in the West, Bhutan in the East and West Bengal in the South. Sikkim State being apart of inner mountain ranges of Himalayas is hilly having varied elevation ranging from 300 to 7000 meters. But the habitable areas are only up to the altitude of 2100 mtrs. Constituting only 20 % of the total area of the State. The highest portion of Sikkim lies in its Northwest direction. A large number of mountains having altitude of 7,000 meters stand herewith (i.e. Kanchenjanga – 3^rd highest peak of the world).

Sikkim has a Himalayan or high mountain type of climate. Altitude is the main factor controlling the climate and weather condition of the State. Relief features such as High Mountain act as barriers for the movements of Monsoon wind. Low temperature, high rainfall on wind ward slopes, comparatively dry on the lee ward side and heavily precipitation in the form of snow at the mountain tops are the main features of the climate in Sikkim. Due to great variation in sharp edged mountains throughout the State, there is a large variation in the temperature in the State. The climatic conditions of the State vary greatly due to the wide fluctuations in elevation ranging from 800 to 20,000 ft.

Temperature varying from 17 ⁰C to 27 ⁰C maximum and 2 ⁰C to 21 ⁰C minimum annual, rainfall 162.5 Cms in South, 322.9 Cms in North, 358 Cms in East and 248.0 Cms in West.

As stated earlier, the terrain is hilly and there is very little flat area. In fact, there is not even a flat land of one Sq.Km. or a straight road of one Km. Length. The State is almost rectangle with 112.70 Km. Long and 64.4 Km. Wide. There is gradual elevation from south to the North, varying from 300 Mtrs. to 5500 Mtrs. But, the habitable area is normally upto 2100 mtrs. Which constitute about 20% of the total area of the States.

Amongst the various professions of Socio-economics importance, Animal Husbandry deserves a high priority as it plays an important role in the economic upliftment of the weaker section of the society engaged in Livestock rearing and processing of animal products. The Livestock wealth is the asset to the farmers and provides nutrition, draught power transportation employment and economic support.

LIVESTOCK CENSUS:

The first Livestock Census was carried out from December1919 to April 1920. It was under the British Indian Government that a systematic record of the periodical conduct of Livestock Census was initiated from this year. In this first Census only some provinces and 28 primary state constituting 29 % to that area participated. Subsequently percentage of participants increased and the Census has conducted simultaneously in a short period of time frame to ensure accurate and reliable results. The Livestock Census of 1951 was first official Census after attaining Independence with the initiation of the first five-year plan, the importance of Livestock Census is to provide various types of data ,it was decided to carry out the enumeration of animals with reference to a fixed data as adopted by the Human Census. Unlike Human Census, which is conducted decinnially, the livestock census is conducted quinquennially. So livestock Census is conducted after every five years and carried out in the entire country at the same time.

OBJECTIVES OF LIVESTOCK CENSUS

To collect quantitative information and data regarding Livestock, Poultry, Fisheries and Agricultural implements. Essentially it provides Animal Husbandry Statistics to serve as a base for Planning and monitoring developments in the field of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Sectors. Areas and aspects requiring priority can be ascertained for permanent upliftment of the countries economy. All related information like Veterinary Services back up, breeding programme requirements of feed and medicines etc .can be worked out for future plan strategy, therefore, it serves as a basis to assess the progress of different developmental programme in the Animal Husbandry sector for a given period.

Objectives of sample survey:-

1. The aim of the survey is to estimate the production level of the major, livestock Product such as Milk, Meat and Eggs.
2. To study the utilization of Livestock Products and attendance practices of major Livestock at the State level.

Reference Date:- Initially the reference date for the conduct of 16^th quenquennial Livestock Census was fixed on 15^th October 1997 as conveyed by Ministry of Agriculture Department of Agriculture and Co-operation, Govt. of India for all States and UT's of India except Jammu and Kashmir.

Methodology:

Livestock Census is a complete count of the Livestock, Poultry, Fisheries and also agriculture implements as per pre-defined reference point of time. As in population Census primary workers have to under take house to house enumeration and ascertain the number age, sex, breed etc. of Livestock and poultry possessed by every household or institution in rural or urban areas. In this State of Sikkim Primary workers engaged were Inspectors, Supervisors, Stockman of the department and locally available educated persons as enumerators temporarily. The 16^th quenquennial Livestock Census was conducted as per schedule prescribed in the census calendar and also approved formats supplied by the Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India. (as per guide line issued by Govt. of India ) ‘ANNEXURE- I’

To conduct the Census work smoothly, the State was divided four districts and the deputy Directors were entrusted direct responsibilities of conducting the Census in their respective districts. The Directors AH and the Directors/Vs were the chief of the Census operations In the State and Addl. Director /VS is appointed as a Nodel Officer for Livestock Census authority for Sikkim.

The Field work conducted by the Primary workers is checked by the Deputy Director, Sr. Veterinary officer of the District and Sub- division level. Even house to house survey work done by the enumerators were also checked and verified by the Sr. Official of the Head Office. Any draw back on the enumeration works had been rectified before sending it for compilation work. Annexure-II

To carry out the Census on livestock and poultry including different breeds, sex and age in addition to it, Fisheries and Agricultural implements are also taken them in to account for Census, because of its co-related nature with the Livestock.

For easy assessment, the basic unit for Rural areas is the considered to the Revenue Block, which corresponds to a village. Besides, some areas like forest, tea Estate, Monasteries etc. have also covered under the rural area. Likewise, town of urban area is also incorporated in the Revenue Block like Gangtok Town under Revenue Block, Gangtok Pvt. Estate and so on. It is made just to simplify the easy Household enumeration work. Though- Revenue Block is the smallest unit and consists of several inhabited area which are commonly known as " Busty or Gaon".

Household is a group of persons who commonly live together and would take their meals from a common kitchen unless the exigencies of work prevented any of them form doing so. There may be household of persons related by blood or household of unrelated persons of having a mix of both. Example of correlated households are boarding houses, messes, hostels, residential hostels, rescues home, jails, ashram etc. these are called ‘ Institutional Household’ These may be one member households, two member household or multi member households. For Census purposes each one of these type is regarded as " household". While conducting the livestock Census, above-mentioned methodology has been adopted to find out the exact livestock figure of the state. Unit for Census was – household and then Revenue Block, Sub-division level, District level and finally the state as a whole. Presentations of data are made in the table in the form of Departmental Institutional wise duly considering the Revenue Block. This Institution wise data is very convenient for the Department to assess requirement of Medicines, Vaccines, feed/fodder and also helps in the planning of the project.

ANNEXURE- I

Sixteenth Quinquennial of Live Stock, Form Equipment and Equipment of Fishery 16.10.97.

CENSUS CALENDER

Operation Dates by which operations should be completed

1.Printing of forms 14^th August 1997

2.Distribution of forms & stationary 21^st August, 1997

3.Training 16^th August-15^th September, 1997

4. Preparation of lists of houses and 15^th september-14^th October, 1997

Households & enumeration

5. Final Check up (Date of Reference) 15^th October, 1997

6. Forwarding Taluka Abstract Statements 13^th November, 1997

(Provisional figures) to District Office

7.Forwading District Abstract Statements 13^th December, 1997

(Provisional figures) to the Directorate

Of EAS, Krishi Bhavan New Delhi and

licve Stock Census Officer.

8. Compellation of final figures at Taluka 31^st December

Office

9. Compilation for final figure at District 31^st January, 1998

Office

10 Compilation of final figure at State 31^st March, 1988

Headquarters and forwarding the same

To the Dte. Of E&S, New Delhi

11. Publication of provisional All- India total 28th February, 1998

And Live Stock Census items by the

Directorate of EAS.

12. Publication of final results of Livestock 30^th June 1998

Census by the Directorate of E&S

New Delhi.

ANNEXURE-II

To conduct 16^th quenquennial Livestock Census – State of Sikkim has constituted the following working group for smooth conduction of Livestock Census 1997.

1. Commissioner-cum-Secretary/A.H.&V.S-Chairman

2. Principal Director – Co-Chairman

3. Director/AH

4. Director/VS

5. Addl. Director/VS as a nodal Officer

6. Joint Director of the Districts

7. Deputy Director in-charge of the Districts – as a District Nodal Officer

8. Sr. Veterinary Officers

9. Veterinary Officer

10. Inspectors

11. Stockman

12. Enumerator

CONDUCT THE CENSUS

Some of the problems encountered during the Census Operation:

1. Due to limited quota of fuel for vehicle the supervision was seriously hampered and could not be carried out as desired.
2. The Departmental staff besides attending to their normal duty had to carry out the enumeration work, which affected the maximum workload.
3. The Veterinary and Para Veterinary staff deployed for the Census was not enough which led to inordinate delay and had to engage extra enumerators on daily wages basis.
4. Wrong entries and lesser numbers of household in some places were also noticed and necessary rectifications were made to minimize the errors.
5. Certain constraints were felt in relation to some remote and high altitude areas where enumeration work is difficult and hazardous.
6. Some of the items mentioned in the prescribed formats was not applicable to this State and caused confusion at the time of enumeration work.
7. Financial Constraints – due to non-release of Central grant in time. The sanction of central grant had been released on installment basis, which has created a great complication for obtaining clearance from P&Dand Finance Department of the state.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE LIVESTOCK CONDITIONS IN THE STATE.

Main species and breeds of each type of Livestock:

The native cattle of Sikkim are Siri and Siritype but artificial insemination and placing of exotic breeding bulls in Veterinary dispensaries and Veterinary hospitals has influenced the native type into the crossbred. Nearly 50% of the population is crossbred the rest are Siri and non-descript type.

The majority of sheep belong to Banpala breed, which are heavy bodies with short tail. The local breeds of goat are of Bengal type and crossbred of Jammuna pari, Betal and Barabari.

The pigs found in Sikkim are largely crossbreeds with varying proportions of large white, Yorkshire and SaddleBack blood. Yorkshire variety is quite popular. Recently, the department introduced "Durac" breed of Pig from Royal Govt. of Bhutan.

The breed of Livestock and poultry found in Sikkim are: -

Species Breed

Cattle Jersey, Jersey crossbred, Brown Swiss crossbred, Mixed-cross, Siri, Holstein.

Yak Nepalese breed, Tibetan breed.

Goat Crosses of Jammuna pari, Bengal, Betal, Barabari with local.

Horses Hill ponies.

Sheep Banpala, Gharpala, Cross-breed ,Merind, Cross breed Corrodale, Tibetian Sheep, Rambouilet Cross breed.

Mules Local

Pigs Durac, Saddleback, Large whiteYorkshire and their crosses and local (punri) landrace.

Fowls Black Austrolop and their crosses, white leg horn, Rode Island, indigenous KeystoneGolden.

Ducks Local, Khakhi Camble.

Rabbit Angora – German, Russuan, British and German crosses.

Facilities for artificial insemination: -

Artificial Insemination (A.I) was started in 1975 in the state. So far 26 centers using chilled semen were operating but the establishment of liquid Nitrogen Plant at Gangtok and Karfectar, A.I. with frozen semen has also started in 30 A.I. centers.

Facilities for grazing including restrictions by the state Govt.

There are extensive grassy meadows at a height varying from 14,000 to 20,000 ft. At lower altitudes the village herds are stall-fed. The forest herds are al grazed. Goacharan (Community forest) are planted with fodder trees, sub-tropical grasses, legumes species etc. In the forest area the animals are allowed only with proper plantation of high yielding varieties of fodder plants and feeding of tree leaves is very common. For this assistance is provided by the department.

Migration within and outside the State:

Migration of animals within the State is not restricted. Mainly sheep flocks and Yak have been found to be migratory.

Migration of animals from other State is not there. Animal intended for slaughter, however, get entry. These animals are permitted to enter after thorough check-up and vaccination in order to check the influx of diseases in the State.

With the sealing of borders with Tibet, migratory sheep do not find their way in the State now.

Housing Condition:

There are generally two types of housing for animal namely:

1. Permanent housing : These sheds are generally made up of permanent walls, cemented floors and roofs of G.C.I. sheets
2. Temporary sheds : These are made of bamboos and thatched roof. The flooring is made of stones. Bedding with grass is provided. Most of the sheds in the State are of this type.

DEVELOPMENTAL MEASURES

Cattle Development:

The main objective is to increase the productivity of the local animals through crossbreeding so that it is economically beneficial to the farmers by providing production enhancement inputs. Programme under cattle development include setting up of A.I. centers with frozen semen, setting up heifers production and bull rearing farms and providing semen of highly pedigreed exotic breed.

1. Loans to marginal and progressive farmers provided through Banks and Subsidy to the tune of 25% of the cost in setting up cattle farms is provided by the department.
2. Vaccination programme against F.M.D., Anthrax H.S., B.Q., R.P., R.D. and other diseases at 100% subsidized rates as per the vaccination calendar set up by this department as a preventing measure. Anti Rabies vaccination is also administered to the pets at a nominal charges but post bite vaccination is done free of cost.

Sheep Development:

1. Sheep rearing is a traditional practice and demand for wool and meat is growing steadily in the state. Sheep farms are being strengthened by introduction of new exotic stock while preserving the indigenous breeds of Banpala and Tibetan Sheep.
2. Subsidy to increase flock size as well as to provide better health and management is being extended by the department.
3. Temporary facilities including transit camps are provided to migratory flocks. Health coverage and mass treatment against internal parasites is also provided by the department.

Goat Development:

a) The market for mutton in Sikkim is tremendous due to the presence of the Indian Army. As such farmers are keen to take up goat farming in a big way. The Department is improving the local breed by crossbreeding with Jammunapari and BetaL stock.

b) Bucks are stationed at Veterinary Dispensaries and Panchayats for breeding purposes.

Piggery Development:

1. Farmers are encouraged to set up piggery units with loan. Subsidy is provided by the Department as incentive.
2. Distribution of crossed piglets (2+1) under ST/SC programmes.
3. Distribution of boars to Panchayats/blocks for breeding purposes under cross breeding programme.

Dairy Development:

1. The district wise number of Dairy Plant and their capacities in the State may be given as under :-

2. The total milk production in the state is estimated to 31.00 M.T. (thousand) per annum, average yield of milk/cow/Buffalo (Herd average) is

Indigenous = 0.76 Ltrs.

Crossbreed = 2,00 Ltrs.

Buffalo -

3. Milk Products/annum

a) Ghee 5 M.T.

b) Butter 25 M.T

c) Curd

d) Khoa

4. Per Capita availability of milk is 150 – 180 M.T./day.

5. Schemes Of Dairy Development

At present two major schemes are in operation. These schemes are 100% C.S.S. and entitled as Integrated Dairy Development Programme both for Sikkim Milk Union Ltd. And for North Sikkim Dairy. The schemes started in the 8^th five year Plan and will continue up to 9^th five year Plan.

The marketing of milk and milk products in the state is being done through Sikkim Milk Union Ltd. The organization is autonomous and is being managed by its Board of Directors.

7. The activity under Dairy Development is to revitalize, assist the activities of present Sikkim Milk Union Ltd. to organize Dairying in North District. The main activity includes production enhancement, improve processing and marketing activities, training and extension, manpower Development, streamlining procurement activities.

FODDER AND GRAZING CONDITION

The Livestock rearing is an important aspect of each household total economy to supplement and compliments other components of farming. About 80-90 % of the nearly 1 lakh households are

The details on fodder and grazing conditions are as under ;-

1.Types of Fodder used

Various agricultural by product and crop residues are utilized by most households for feeding of cattle. Straw of paddy and ragi are used extensively but left over from maize crop is only used sparsely due to high fibre content. Amilisho (Thysanolaena agrostis) which is a versatile fodder and fodder for winter and early spring is cultivated in all parts of state. The Gautemala grass and Napier are also planted to meet the requirement of fodder grassess. The important fodder trees Nevaro (Ficus Hookeri) Gogun (Saurauvia nepalensis) Raikhanya (Ficus Benjarina) Kabra (Ficus intectoria) are also planted by the farmers. The fodder grasses like Oats, desmodium, signal grass Guinea grass are also under cultivation.

2.Animal Concentrated Feed.

The concentrate feed for animals are being brought from outside the state (from Siliguri in West Bengal). Most of the ingredients are not available in the state to make concentrate feed.

3.Grazing Facilities

There is an extensive forest herding and intensive state feeding but free grazing of herds is common but decreasing in villages. Due to ban on entry of domestic animals in the forest, the farmers are facing problems for grazing of animals. Enough grazing land (Gaucharan area) are not available in the state.

4. State activities to improve the fodder and grazing condition.

Following activities are being taken up to increase the fodder production in the state.

1.Development of pasture and grazing ground.

2.Demonstrations in the farmers field by introduction extension fodder production scheme.

3.Introduction and implementation of extensive trials of temperate and tropical species of grasses and legumes.

4.Conservation of surplus fodder etc.

5.Consumption of Livestock feed and fodder.

On an average 2.5 quintal to 3 quintal dry and green fodder is being consumed by each animal per month. This fodder includes paddy straw, crop residues, green grasses etc. The animals are fed with concentrate ration as per the fixed schedule. More than 1000M.T. Of concentrates feed are fed to the animals in the state.

IMPORTANCE OF POULTRY HUSBANDRY IN THE STATE OF SIKKIM

Since 1995 the importance of poultry farming is increasing day by day. The main reason of development of this field all due to the following reasons.

1. Increased in population

2. Increased demands of eggs and chickens.

3. Increased of unemployment youth in the state.

There is availability of all the miscellaneous items required in the farm from the market. As there is no big farm in and around Gangtok, there are heavy demands of the products like table eggs and chickens. The poultry farmers are enthusiastic to increase quality and quantity of their products, but due to natural calamities which have no control. Under these farm, farmer cannot be able to fulfill their target. Government is also taking keen interest to uplift the poor poultry farmers of the state.

Under Jawahar Rojger Yojana, Industry department is disbursing loan amounting Rs.one lakhs per farmer under Government norms and condition. The Government is also giving subsidy too amounting Rs.7500/- per farmer. The department of Animal Husbandry is giving necessary guidelines and training. Side by side Industry department also imparting Training programme in every knock and corner of the state. Due to keen interest of the government now the public is very much aware of the importance of poultry farming.

ANNEXURE-III

No of poultry farm (Govt.) Private farms

Mangan –1No Birds – 600Nos; Broiler –15000Nos. Layer –4000

Namchi –1No -do- - 600 Nos.

Gyalshing – 1No -do - 600 Nos.

Karfectar – 1 no. –do- 2500 Nos

Rhenock -1No. –do- 450 Nos.,

Poultry farmers of the state are not willing to rear layer birds due to transportation problems especially during the month of May, June and July leading to heavy loss.

Method of keeping poultry: Deep litter system and Cage system.

No private and government hatcheries:

There is no hatchery in the private sector till the date, but the farmers are enthusiastic to set up their own hatchery to earn good sum of money by selling the chicks.

As far as government hatchery is concerned, there was a incubator of capacity 13000 eggs till 1992, but as approved by the government, the land handed over to the Health Department, Government of Sikkim to construct a refferal Hospital at Tadong near Gangtok

As far as Government hatchery is concerned Sikkim Hatchery is already installed at Tokal Bermoick which is at the distance of 20 Km from Gangtok.

This Poultry Farm is known as Sikkim Poultry Development Corporation, Govt. Undertaking, in which Sikkim Hatchery is also included to disburse day old chicks to the poultry farmers. Sikkim Poultry Dev. Corporation is set up in the state in collaboration of Venkateshwara Hatchery. Number of manufacturing poultry equipment- there is no firms manufacturing the equipment in the state till the date.

There was one feed mill at Ranipool namely: Sikkim Ani feed in the East district, which also closed since 1993 .

Production of eggs from exotic breed such as Key Stone Golden, Hisex-white and Hisex-brown was 70%

Percentage of egg consumed internally is 60-65%

Arrangement for marketing of eggs is by jeep, bus or van in the private sectors. In the government farms as there is a heavy demand of eggs and chicken the consumer itself drop in the farm to collect the products and there is no need of transportation.

Average no. Of eggs lay per hen: 230 eggs/annum.

Cost of production:

Average price of eggs: Rs.2/- each

No. Of chicken hatched: Nil

Utilization rates of chickens and adults birds – 500MT/annum

Schemes of poultry development: Detail given above.

State activities in the field of Poultry Development:

The state is playing key role in the field of Poultry Development to uplift unemployed youth and also to fulfill market demands. Government is disbursing loan amounting Rs. One lakhs to 5 lakhs to uplift the poor farmers. But simply Government cannot help the public; it is the duty of the public to impart Training Programme organized by the department. Secondly Technical know how is very important to run the farm smoothly.

To render the Veterinary Aids in the village level, the department has established he network of Veterinary Stockman Centre in each block with target to establish such center at distance of 10Km. As a whole, the state is divided into four districts, Deputy Directors of the district is over all in charge of the district to implement the departmental schemes. Joint Directors of the concerned district will co-ordinate the work of district from Head Office Gangtok. Each district is again divided into Sub-division, where Sr. Veterinary Officer is the Sub-divisional head, who will control the farm, Veterinary Dispensaries and Stockman Centers. Sr. Veterinary Officers are supported by Veterinary Officers, Farm Manager, Inspectors, Supervisor and Stockman.

Every district Veterinary Hospital is provided with district laboratory, where routine works like blood analysis, urine test, stool examination etc. are done. Any complicated or unidentified sample is required to be sent to Disease Investigation Cell at Gangtok, which is headed by Deputy Director (D.I.C) and Joint Director (D.I.) at Head Office. DIC has to co-ordinate any Livestock outbreak in the district along with concerned Deputy Director/Sr.Veterinary Officer/Veterinary Officer of the district. They are also responsible for carry out the schedule vaccination programme. Rabies control, Deworming, Farm management, castration, A.I. work to attend outbreak cases and daily routine for treatment of animals in hospitals and also door step of Livestock owner in case of large animals

In addition to it, there are various centrally sponsored schemes viz. Rinderpest control, F.M.D.Animal Disease Surveillance and systematic control of Disease of National Importance, where priority are given for Rabies Control, Tuberculosis and Brucellosis. Emphasis is also given to control of Pullorum Disease of Poultry (Ref.Table No.I and II)

Table-I

TOTAL NUMBERS OF VETERINARY INSTITUTION- DISTRICTWISE

TABLE-II

GroupWise & District wise incidence of diseases

LIVESTOCK PRODUCT- OTHER THAN MILK AND MILK PRODUCTS

1. The main livestock products of the state other than milk and milk products are meat, skin, bone, manure, wool and fibbers from yaks.
2. Sikkim livestock and livestock products control Act –1985 regulates the entry of only healthy animals in the state. This act also empowers the department to regulate the selling price meat, its hygienic handling and curbson illegal slaughtering.
3. Slaughtering house registers are maintained in the registered slaughterhouse and the information compiled regularly.
4. There are four-slaughter house in the state and improved method is practiced in only the slaughterhouse.
5. There are no arrangements for crushing bones and carcass utilization in the state.
6. Estimates of livestock products

(Meat in tons) Hide & skin Wool

1) Bull/Bullocks 1674 11,400 Nos. 600 MT

2) Buffalo 322 1,611 Nos. -

3) Goat 68.5 2,295 Nos. -

4) Chicken 140 MT - -

5) Pig 505 - -

The state Government is continuously improving the local breed with the use of improved sires in respect of all the species. To improve the farm management practices, the farmers are given short courses in all the districts. Various types of fodder of improved variety are given to farmer’s cultivation. Methods of preservation of fodder for lean season is also demonstrated to the of livestock owners. Farmers are also assisted in setting up small farms through NABARD.

Meat Production

• Bull/Bullocks 50-55% of live weight

  Buffalo -do-

  Goats -do-

  Pigs 60-70% -do-

  Chicken 70-75% in broilers and 180-220 eggs/year/hen

MEMORANDUM ON FISHERIES CONDITIONS IN SIKKIM STATE

I. Organization of Fisheries services in the state

1.Fisheries Directorate is presently under the Secretary of Forest Department. The Directorate looks after following activities :-

1. Carp culture: Under this programme the department has constructed demonstration and seed farms. Extension programme is done to encourage the people to adapt fish farming. Fish Farmers Development Agency has played an important role in this field.
2. Trout Seed Production: Brown trout had been introduced in the state in 1954. The different resources of the state are stocked with fingerlings of it. These seeds are produced at different farms of the state.
3. Mahseer Programme: Under this programme the seeds of Masher are reared in the farm and are released to different streams to raise their population.
4. Conservation Programme: There are 42 Fishery guards and 10 Sub-Inspectors to look after the conservation programme. The licenses are issued to the Fisherman for fishing. Illegal fishing are checked like dynamiting, Poisoning, fishing without licenses etc.
5. Research and Survey: The different resources are surveyed. Their physical and chemical conditions are checked. The final programmes are made after ascertaining all the measures.
6. Education and Training: The staff is sent to different educational institutions for higher education in the field of fisheries. They are mostly sent to I.C.A.R. institutions. The department conducts the training programme to the farmers and taught about culture management aspects.
7. The Sikkim Fisheries Act, 1980 has come in force in the state. It has brought streamlining in the activities of the department. This Act has been modified in Sikkim Fisheries Rule , 1990

I. Fisheries Statistics

1. Fisheries Directorate conducts the statistics programme. The staff of the Directorate does it. Fish catch statistics is done by the number of fisherman who is issued the licenses. Aquaculture production per unit of land is also done by the Directorate under Fish Farmer Development Agency Programme.
2. Every year the data on fish production, fish seed production, water area is done. The number of licenses and beneficiaries can be ascertained by the activities of the Directorate.
3. The fisheries products in Sikkim aren’t preserved in any form. They are used fresh.
4. The resources of Sikkim are surveyed under Research and Survey Program like the area of lake of high altitude and length of the rivers.

II. Fisheries Wealth of the State.

Sikkim has 28 species as indigenous and many are introduced. The important indigenous species are Mahseer, Katli, Asla, Goonch, Gardi etc. The exotic species introduced in Sikkim are brown trout, common carp, grass carp, silver carp and Indian Major Carps

1. Main species are breeding of each type of fish.

a. Mahseer (Tor putitora) is the most important species in spot fishery. They are reared in the farm. Breeding takes place during August and September. Being migratory they stay in the waters of Sikkim from March to October.

b. Brown Trout (Salmo trutta fario) has established in Sikkim. They are reared in farms and stripping is done. The seeds produced are stocked at different resources of Sikkim.

c. Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) is introduced in Sikkim. They breed naturally in farms. They are cultured by farmers.

2. State activities during the previous quinquennium to improve the fisheries wealth under the different schemes included in the five-year plan.

3. The main activity during 8^th five-year Plan, the Fish Farmers Development Agency has covered 813 beneficiaries under extension program. The Directorate has worked in maximizing benefits from the existing infrastructures.

III. Breeding Farm

1.Numbers of breeding farms, their locations and management and the experiment carried out.

1. Chinese Hatchery, Rothak, West Sikkim.
2. Soreng Farm, Soreng West Sikkim
3. Gyalshing Farm, Gyalshing West Sikkim
4. Mahseer Farm, Bagwa South Sikkim
5. Rorathang Farm, Rorathang East Sikkim
6. Pologround Farm, Gangtok East Sikkim
7. Kabi Farm, Kabi North Sikkim
8. Hee-Gyathang , Hee Gyathang North Sikkim

In the above farms the brooders are reared and breeding is done. In these farm common carp are bred. The seedlings are distributed among the fish farmers.

2.Types Of Feed Used;

The carps are fed with traditional feed i.e. Mustard oil cake and Rice bran in the ratio of 1:1. The grass carp are also fed with grass. Brown trout are fed with pellet type feed.

IV. Fisheries Products

The total production of state 140 tones of fish 60% of the product is from capture fisheries and 40% from culture fisheries.

V. Fisheries Research and Training

Research is looked after by Research Asstt. The work is mainly confined in finding the quality of water and soil of different Farm.

Under training programme the staff are sent to different institutions for higher education. The farmers are trained by the Directorate.

VI. Fisheries Trade

1. The products are sold locally. The important centers for landing of riverine catches are Legship, Jorethang, Melli, Rangpo and Singtam and Ranipool.
2. Due to the limitation in the production the products are consumed locally.
3. No work has been done in this field.

VII. Consumption Of Fish And Fisheries Products

1. Due to scarcity of fish, it is imported from neighboring states. Mainly the carps are liked by the population of Sikkim
2. The people of Sikkim consume canned fish also.

VIII. Fishing Practices In The State

Fishing in Sikkim is done with cast-net and rod. Traditional practices are followed.

IX. Crafts and Tackles

1. No fishing crafts are used for fishing.
2. No work has been done in this field.

X. Preservation Of Fish

1. The product is used fresh therefore the preservation is not done. At the landing centers there are cold-storage facilities in private sector.
2. There is not any proposal in both five-year Plans.

The fisherman community is constituted by the scheduled castes; Scheduled tribe and other Backward classes and represent one of the weakest sections in the society. A vast chunk of the fisherman population is illiterate and economically not sound. All together 25 fisherman pockets are scattered through the state along the river bank There are 650 fisherman both past time and occasional.