National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) Foundation for Nutrition’s “Gift milk” programme for 1500 girl students was successfully launched by Honourable Chief Minister of Sikkim Mr. P.S. Tamang-Golay today in Gangtok. This program in Sikkim is sponsored by National Highways Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) and Sikkim Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union Limited is the supply partner of the programme. The launching programme held at Samman Bhawan here was also attended by Animal Husbandry minister L.N. Sharma, Power minister M.N. Sherpa and officials concerned.
Proper nutrition is essential, especially for the younger generation and is the foundation for a healthier mind and body. We should emphasize and promote it in our educational institutions, particularly in schools. For this reason, I was pleased to launch ‘Gift milk’ for girl students of Government schools in Sikkim through which more than 1500 girl students will receive 200 ml of milk per day. The event was organised by the Sikkim Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union Limited sponsored by National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL). This a praiseworthy initiative and I express my gratitude to the officials of NDDB and NHIDCL for taking a step towards eradicating malnutrition and other health problems among the younger generation. I sincerely hope that we can continue with it and extend it to a larger scale. posted the Chief Minister in his official social media page.
NDDB Foundation for Nutrition (NFN)
Government has approved a proposal for setting up an Institution for promotion of nutrition through milk/milk products (especially for children) utilizing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds of NDDB’s subsidiaries and other voluntary donation. Subsequently, NDDB registered a trust/ society known as NDDB Foundation for Nutrition (NFN) to implement this initiative known as “Gift milk” to improve child nutrition thought consumption of milk & milk products by providing milk free of cost. The supply of milk/milk product would be facilitated through dairy cooperatives only. NFN is currently implementing the “Gift milk” programme.
Gift milk Programme
The Gift milk programme is the first initiative of NFN wherein 200 ml of flavoured milk fortified with vitamin A and D (as per FSSAI standards) is distributed among government school children on all school working days through a dairy cooperative under CSR allocations. The target group is mainly school children aged 5 to15 years in primary and upper primary classes from government schools or schools run for underprivileged children by NGOs and charitable organizations.
CM encouraged the youth to embrace farming and agricultural practices
Speaking about the increase in milk production CM states that in the last few months with the dairy incentive launched last year by the Government, I encouraged our youths to embrace farming and agricultural practices which has a large potential and can be a great source of income. Those with an educational background in the field can utilise their knowledge and benefit from it.
CM applauded the work of Sikkim Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union Limited
Chief Minister applauded the Sikkim Co-operative Milk Producers’ Union Limited for the excellent work they have been doing behind the scene and encouraged them to carry on with the same enthusiasm. Chief Minister also mentioned a few of the schemes and work carried out by the Government in the last few months in the field of education and health. Stating that our Government always acknowledges hard-working individuals, He added that we will provide every possible support for their advancement and encouraged public participation which is a vital aspect of a developed society. Expressing my grief towards the number of suicide cases among the students, He urged everyone to help and support each other and try to point out the reasons behind it. Students and youths are the future of our state and the Nation and their welfare both physically and mentally are crucial and will take every possible step to mitigate it.
Animal Husbandry minister Mr. L.N. Sharma, in his brief address, thanked the Chief Minister for his continuous support towards the farming community in solving their problems. He also appreciated the efforts of the NDDB for their interest in Sikkim which would be beneficial for both the State and NDDB in the long run. He also highlighted that after the launching of incentives to dairy farmers by the Chief Minister, the milk production rate has increased from 32000 liters to 50000 liters daily which is an achievement for Sikkim. Mr. Meenesh Shah, Executive Director National Dairy Development Board, Mr. M. S. Sodhi, Executive Director, National Highway and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd were also present during the programme.
During the launching of “Gift Milk” programme, the Board of Directors of Sikkim Cooperative Milk Producers Union Ltd. also handed over the award for ‘Best State Milk Federation/ Union of India’ won by Sikkim to the Chief Minister. Organizers of the program also warded a ‘Token of Gratitude’ to the Secretary Animal Husbandry, Sikkim Mr. S. B. Subba for his services.
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