SIRI CATTLE: CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE FOR SIKKIM'S INDIGENOUS BREED

Why In News?

During a visit to Sikkim, the Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying announced that the Centre will set up a Centre of Excellence for the conservation and development of the indigenous Siri cattle breed. 

What Is Siri Cattle?

• Siri is an indigenous zebu cattle breed of the Eastern Himalaya, found mainly in Sikkim, the Darjeeling hills of West Bengal, and Bhutan. 

• Local Name: It is also known as "Trahbum". 

Physical Features

• Colour And Coat: It is usually black or black and white, with a thick coat of long hair that protects it from cold.  

• Hump: Its hump sits slightly forward compared with other zebu breeds.  

• Strong Build: It has strong legs and feet, suited to steep, hilly terrain. 

Utility

• Dual Purpose: Siri is a dual-purpose breed, used for both milk and work.  

• Draught Power: Males are mainly reared for draught (ploughing and carrying loads) in hilly areas, where they are sometimes the only source of draught power.  

• Low Milk Yield: Average milk yield is about 425.8 kg per lactation, with fat content of 2.8–5.5%.  

Adaptability

• Hill-Hardy: It is adapted to cold climates, steep slopes and low-input farming.  

• Disease Resistance: Like most indigenous breeds, it is generally hardy and resistant to local diseases.  

Why Are Indigenous Breeds Important?

Genetic And Ecological Value

• Climate Resilience: Indigenous breeds tolerate heat, cold and local diseases better than exotic breeds, which makes them valuable as the climate changes.  

• Genetic Diversity: They carry unique genes that may be useful for future breeding. 

Livelihood Value

• Low-Cost Farming: They survive on local fodder with low inputs, suiting small and marginal farmers.  

• A2 Milk: Milk from indigenous Indian cattle is generally of the A2 type, which has attracted market interest. 

Breed Registration

• ICAR-NBAGR: The National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources in Karnal, Haryana, registers and documents India's livestock breeds.  

What Are India's Key Schemes For Indigenous Cattle?

Rashtriya Gokul Mission

• Launched In 2014: The Rashtriya Gokul Mission aims to conserve and develop indigenous bovine breeds. 

• Key Tools: It supports artificial insemination, sex-sorted semen, IVF and Gokul Grams  

Dairy Programmes

• National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD): It strengthens dairy infrastructure and cooperatives, including in Sikkim. 

• White Revolution 2.0: Launched in 2024, it aims to expand dairy cooperatives and milk procurement.  

What Are The Key Challenges?

Declining Numbers

• Shrinking Population: Many indigenous breeds are declining as farmers shift to higher-yielding animals.  

• Example: Siri has been listed as vulnerable in a 2022 breed watchlist, reflecting its declining numbers.  

Crossbreeding With Exotic Breeds

• Genetic Dilution: Crossbreeding with exotic breeds such as Jersey and Holstein Friesian raises milk output but dilutes the purity of native breeds.  

Low Productivity

• Weak Economics: With low milk yields, Siri cattle offer lower incomes than crossbred animals, which discourages farmers from rearing them.  

• Example: During his visit to Mangan, the Minister noted that local cattle gave only about three litres of milk a day on average, which highlights the need for breed improvement.  

Mechanisation

• Less Need For Draught Animals: The spread of power tillers and tractors reduces demand for draught bullocks, a key traditional use of Siri cattle.  

Way Forward

Scientific Breed Improvement

• Improve Within The Breed: Use IVF, genomic selection and sex-sorted semen to raise productivity without losing purity.  

• Gene Banks: Store Siri semen and embryos at ICAR-NBAGR and other gene banks as insurance.  

Community-Led Conservation

• Involve Farmers: Support farmers and breeders' societies to conserve pure animals. 

• Example: Kerala's Vechur cattle, among the world's smallest cattle breeds, were brought back from near extinction through a conservation programme by Kerala Agricultural University and local farmers. 

Add Value To Products

• Premium Markets: Promote Siri milk and products such as Churpi as organic, branded products from Sikkim, India's first fully organic State. 

Learn From Global Success

• Indigenous Genetics Abroad: Indian zebu breeds have done well when improved scientifically.  

• Example: Brazil imported Indian breeds such as Gir and Ongole and, through decades of selective breeding, developed high-performing dairy and beef herds, showing the potential of indigenous genetics.  

Conclusion

The Centre of Excellence for Siri cattle is a timely step to save a hardy Himalayan breed suited to Sikkim's hills. Scientific breeding, farmer participation and premium organic branding can make Siri both a conservation success and a source of better rural incomes.

Source: PIB