The Sikkim government has relaxed the ban on the supply of milk from Kalimpong and Darjeeling districts of Bengal following a “request” from dairy farmers.
Sikkim had imposed a temporary ban on the entry of packaged and canned milk from outside the state on Wednesday, citing its questionable quality and also as a preventive measure to stop the spread of Covid-19.
The ban had led to strong protests from farmers in Kalimpong and Darjeeling with the Kalimpong Krishak Kalyan Sangathan on Friday threatening to stop the sale of Sikkim-produced milk in the hills of Bengal.
Sikkim’s department of animal husbandry and veterinary services on Saturday relaxed the ban for milk farmers on a “goodwill basis” to enable them sustain their livelihood, but said they would only be allowed to sell their produce directly to consumers in the borders areas of the state.
“These dairy farmers shall ensure that milk in cans supplied in Sikkim near check-posts originate from their own cows or farms and shall ensure cleanliness and safety of milk for consumption,” said the notice, adding that the Sikkim government would take “necessary action” if the milk was found to be of inferior quality and the required hygiene was not maintained.
The notice further said that the milk from outside would not be allowed to be supplied to village cooperative societies of Sikkim since certain government incentives were only available to dairy farmers of the state.
While imposing the temporary ban on the entry of milk from outside, the government had said random tests had found the product inconsistent with quality standards and that many consumers had also complained.
Besides, the Sikkim government had feared that manual handling of milk packaged in pouches and cans could lead to the spread of Covid-19.
Bishnu Chettri, the president of the Krishak Kalyan Sangathan, welcomed the lifting of the ban and thanked the Sikkim government for paying heed to its call.
“Our ultimatum to stop the sale of milk produced in Sikkim in our areas stands withdrawn,” he said.